IN A WEEK full of meetings and school visits, it was the few hours which we spent at a secondary school in Pinar del Rio which seem to be at the forefront of my mind when anyone asks me about my recent visit to Cuba. 

On arrival and by way of greeting, we enjoy a series of joyful and vibrant dance performances. This seems, in our brief experience, to be the Cuban way. During our many visits to a variety of schools it is strikingly clear that this is an education system which holds art, creativity and expression at its heart. 

Following this we filter into a large auditorium, which is full of teachers and students who are dressed immaculately in the white and yellow secondary school uniform worn throughout the country. We take our seats as the presentations continue. A young, female student chairs the first session, which focuses on recent learning explorations of Global Development, with the sort of confidence that puts everyone at ease. Further shows of Cuban music, dance and poetry follow before an opportunity for dialogue begins.