The Cuban Ambassador visits Cheney School
BackArticle / Posted on 20 Mar 2025
On Thursday 13 March 2025 we welcomed Her Excellency Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter, First Secretary for Political Affairs, Pablo Arturo Ginarte Sampedro, and International Editor of The Morning Star, Roger McKenzie to Cheney School. They had a tour of Cheney School and saw the good work of staff and students in the classrooms and in the library.
They followed this with a talk and Q&A with Sixth Form Politics students, under the tutelage of Martin Daniels, Head of Politics, about their roles as Ambassador and First Secretary to the United Kingdom, with a particular focus on the government and politics of Cuba. It was a meaningful cultural exchange for both parties. Education is a priority in Cuba, and is given top priority in terms of resource allocation and public policy. Unfortunately, Cuban students often have to make do without many of the basic necessities that we take for granted due to the USA's blockade.
The visit was organised by Oxfordshire NEU and the Oxford branch of the Cuba Solidarity Campaign. This was the first visit to Oxford for Ismara and Pablo. Following their visit to Cheney they toured Oxford Brookes University and Oxford city centre.
You can see their report of the trip here: Ambassador's Working Visit to Oxford Strengthens Educational and Solidarity Ties
To read more about solidarity efforts to help Cubans have access to education materials visit the Viva La Educación website. ¡Viva Cuba!
Pictured left to right:
Mr Buchanan, Head of Economics and Politics and NEU Workplace Representative, Pablo Arturo Ginarte Sampedro, First Secretary for Political Affairs, Her Excellency Mrs Ismara Mercedes Vargas Walter Cuban, ambassador to the United Kingdom, Roger McKenzie, International Editor of The Morning Star, Ms Elias, Deputy Head (Personal Development).
