New Project to Benefit Over 9,000 Children in Pinar del Río

The rehabilitation of 72 schools, the reconstruction of roofs in more than 270 homes where children live, and the enhancement of maternal and child nutrition are the core pillars of the project titled “Better Education, Health, and Hygiene in Cuba’s Pinar del Río Province.” This two-year initiative will be implemented by UNICEF Cuba in collaboration with local authorities, with funding of US$1 million provided by Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD).

"The project will allow us to rebuild and strengthen educational infrastructure in Pinar del Río, where the effects of Hurricane Ian are still present. This contribution will improve conditions in key sectors of the territory, regularly affected by hurricanes and ensure more resilient schools for over 9,000 children,” said Alejandra Trossero, UNICEF Representative in Cuba. 

A total of 72 schools damaged by Hurricane Ian in September 2022, in San Luis and Consolación del Sur municipalities, will benefit from roof repairs, carpentry work, and improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene services. Additionally, access to safe water will be ensured in 76 educational centers across the province. 

Another planned contribution involves repairing the roofs of 272 homes affected by Hurricane Ian, where school-aged children live. 

Maternal and Child Nutrition and Safe Water as Priorities

The nutrition of pregnant women, and children with especial needs is another key focus of this initiative. It includes the provision of powdered milk for more than 38,000 people, and the distribution of nutritional supplements to nearly 10,000 pregnant women throughout the province. Health professionals will also be trained in good nutrition practices, breastfeeding, and anemia prevention.

The intervention also includes the procurement of electric pumps to restore water services in affected areas, and the recovery of water, hygiene and sanitation systems in schools and health centers. This action will directly benefit communities where access to drinking water is an everyday challenge.

The project is aligned with Cuba’s national development plans, the Qatar National Vision 2030 through strengthening its role in the international community through partnerships for sustainable development, and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 4 and 6), which focus on health, education and access to safe water. Its implementation demonstrates the United Nations System’s commitment to supporting emergency response and recovery efforts—particularly in the wake of hurricanes—and to advancing comprehensive solutions that address the needs of affected populations while strengthening local resilience.