Throughout Cuba's history, youth have played a decisive role in shaping a sovereign nation with a fervent patriotic spirit.

Coffee is ideal for stirring up philosophy and even emotions. And a cup under a tree, after boiling the water on that rustic stove made of three stones and firewood. Arelis owned the strainer and even the family coffee plantation that makes the miraculous substance possible on a December morning. And it was the sip, the first sip, and that delicious taste couldn't be missed, while María Méndez celebrated the christened Yeguili, which brought us to Las Guásimas, and which has new tires to return many times.

Amelia Martínez Collazo never imagined becoming a teacher, yet she has spent over 50 years in primary school classrooms. "From the early days of the Revolution, my family and I realized that teaching was a good opportunity to improve ourselves and help other families so their children could become good people," says this woman, now over seventy, who, upon retiring, understood that first and foremost, the school and her students were waiting for her presence, and the family economy would benefit from her additional income.

This December 22nd, Teacher's Day was celebrated throughout our lush Caribbean island, a fitting tribute to the men and women who dedicate a significant portion of their time to shaping new generations.