More than three decades ago, the humanist vocation of the Revolution and its commitment to the defense of all rights for all people came together, hand in hand with Fidel, and on December 31, 1989, the Solidarity with Panama School was born, dedicated to the care of children with physical and motor disabilities.
On Wednesday night, a few days before celebrating its 35th anniversary, this institution, which works the miracle of love at every moment, celebrated its foundation in the presence of Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution, and the First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party and President of the Republic, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.
Also in attendance were other authorities of the Party and the Government, and relatives of the boys and girls who are being trained there as good men and women.
As usual, the clean art of students, teachers and the children's troupe La Colmenita set the rhythm of the evening, as deep, as human, as the very essence of the school, now home to 206 students.
Poetry and music were used to advocate for peace, in support of the cause of the Palestinian people; there was talk of solidarity and dedication, and of the smiles of protected children, in spite of limitations and blockades; and, at all times, Fidel, the main architect of all that has been achieved there, was evoked.
The gala, a tight synthesis of dreams fulfilled and those yet to come, was the stage to pay tribute to the work of María Esther La O Ochoa -the beloved Teté-, who directed the school for more than 30 years and today gives her place to others, capable of following her example.
From the hands of the Army General came the recognition, and it was he who read, with a firm tone, the verses stamped: Thank you for so much passion / Delivery, heroism, faith / The world is standing / Saying with a blessed voice / The planet needs / multiply Teté!
And it was the words of María Esther herself that were the best thanks. "We have laughed, we have cried, we have been happy. This has been my home; and I continue with my foot in the stirrup, like you, General," she said to Raúl.
After long applause, the new director, Nairis Reyes Cleger, ratified her commitment to building "a brighter future for the children, more inclusive and hopeful."
During the ceremony, the Rafael María de Mendive award was also presented to two workers who have dedicated 20 and 25 years to the beautiful task of teaching. Likewise, the school was honored with the 85th Anniversary seal of the Cuban Workers' Central.
Other organizations such as the José Martí Pioneers, the Union of Young Communists, the Ministry of Education and the Organization of Ibero-American States for Education, Science and Culture also honored the school.
Before saying goodbye, Raúl, always attentive to the little ones, asked them if they had enjoyed the activity. A resounding, true yes was the answer for those who, in one of his many visits to the institution, assured that "for schools like these we are willing to give everything". I believe, said the Army General on that occasion, "that it is one of the most beautiful and just works of the Revolution."
