With four decades of service, the José Martí Provincial Pioneers' Palace is still an essential pillar in the education of new generations in Las Tunas.

Kenia Torres Rojas, Master of Science and director of the Palace, highlighted that this institution, founded on July 21, 1985, has maintained its educational mission even in adverse contexts such as the Special Period or the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have provided services in the worst possible conditions, without ceasing to fulfill our educational process. During COVID, for example, we managed to move the vocational teaching to virtual environments, with classes via WhatsApp and digital platforms. Many workers even provided support in red zones,” Torres Rojas emphasized.

"Partnerships are fundamental to our work. We recently signed three collaboration agreements with the Electric Company, Public Health, and the Business Group of Commerce.”

“In that sense, added the director, the University of Las Tunas has been a strategic ally, due to its coordinating role with other state agencies, which has been decisive in strengthening the Palace's ties with actors in the territorial economy.”

Currently, the center offers 21 active vocational specialties, in contrast to the 73 that existed when it was founded, and maintains working relationships with entities linked to nine ministries, including Agriculture, Industry, Health, Education, and Culture. Among the companies with notable participation are Stainless-Steel (ACINOX Las Tunas) and Metal Structures (METUNAS).

During the summer, the Palace has become a pioneer village, serving children from rural communities, those in homes without family support, and in vulnerable situations.

“All our activities respond to the nine components of educational content established in the Third Improvement of the educational system, such as legal, environmental, scientific, and patriotic culture,” explained Kenia Torres. 

With the start of the 2025-2026 school year in September, a new space dedicated to the Tourism Ministry (MINTUR) will teach specialties such as hotel accommodation, cocktail making, and recreational services.

These actions are part of a comprehensive renovation of the Palace. “Almost all areas, both specific and common, have been revitalized under the general direction of the center. We are committed to continuing to modernize our spaces and educational proposals.”