On the 55th anniversary of the Federation of Middle School Students (FEEM, in Spanish), Cuban youth radiate confidence and hope for the future. 26 spoke with Marcos Alejandro Flores González, the provincial president, a leader who embodies the maturity of his position and the indomitable energy of his generation.
Las Tunas, Cuba.- When asked about the challenges of this level of education in Cuba and how this association contributes to overcoming them, Marcos did not hesitate to show a strategic vision. For him, the key lies not in identifying generic problems, but in the certainty of targeted solutions.
“FEEM is clear that the response to the challenges facing the island requires specificity. That is why our work is focused on a targeted solution that links the strengths of each student group.”
This bold perspective led us to delve deeper into how the organization ensures that the real concerns of students are not only heard but also translated into concrete actions on a national scale. The answer was a strong defense of the participation mechanisms that this body values and strengthens.
"We guarantee the voice of the student body through a National Council, where peers from the various educational branches that make up FEEM participate. Our students' proposals emerge from the group's assembly and are presented for debate."
“The country's highest authorities participate in this plenary session, where a deep and conscious exchange takes place. All decisions and proposals from the grassroots, which have arisen before that meeting, are discussed and finally approved by the National Council. In this way, we ensure that the will of young people is turned into action.”
STRATEGIES, SCIENCE, AND THE MARTIAN PRINCIPLE
The conversation delved into the productive and scientific commitment of the membership, the strategies they implement to foster a culture of debate, research, and, fundamentally, active participation in processes of great social significance.
"We promote a variety of initiatives to involve our students in all activities: scientific, cultural, sports, recreational, and productive. We seek a comprehensive education.
“We have the Student Work Brigade, our main movement for carrying out the tasks of linking study and work, which is also a Martian principle.”
This task, according to Flores González, is not random but systematic and planned. "Each group has hours set aside for productive work. In other words, it is conceived in their own study plan; it is not an additional mission, it is part of their education."
Likewise, the young leader emphasized community outreach, which in many ways constitutes the Federation's local response to major national and global causes (such as peace or climate change), by focusing on preventive work.
“The FEEM projects for the Neighborhoods and Don't Be One More stand out, aimed at preventing drug use in communities. This makes us feel part of the issues that are very sensitive for our nation.”
A SPECIAL BIRTHDAY
The organization's 55th birthday, celebrated on December 6, filled Marcos and his team with joy.
"I am very proud to be part of the Federation of Secondary School Students and to lead it in Las Tunas. This anniversary has been exceptional. In the main activities held in the country's capital, our province was recognized as outstanding, and that was a great honor."
“Despite the many complexities of Cuba's economic situation, the FEEM in Las Tunas continues to demonstrate that the future is ours, and we will continue to delve into issues that are vital to our members.”
