Global Solidarity School

The Global Solidarity School is the initiative of progressive Canadians involved in trade union and academic education. The school will combine educational programs with Cuban cultural explorations that extend well beyond a typical tourist experience.

As a student at the Global Solidarity School, you will meet with international counterparts who care about the wellbeing of our planet and who seek to create progressive social changes necessary to ensure social and environmental sustainability. Our classes will allow you to examine global issues and strategies for change in a creative and friendly environment.

Dates: Registrants may attend either week 1 or 2, or both. Both weeks are followed by optional weekend excursions.

Week 1 – Arrive April 28th. Classes April 30 – May 4, 2007 (includes May Day activities).

Week 2 – Arrive May 5th. Classes May 7 – 11, 2007.

Cost: Approximately $1,600 Canadian per person each week for tuition, 7 nights shared accommodation, breakfast and dinner, most Havana ground transportation, instructor/guide interpreters into English where required, and costs associated with afternoon activities. Participants that require single accommodation will be charged an additional surcharge of approximately $455 each week. Please note that the actual costs will be based on the exchange rate when we go.

The fee does not cover flights to and from Havana (including transfer to and from the airport), lunches, tips, optional evening activities and weekend excursions, or personal expenses.

Please do not book any flights to Cuba until you receive confirmation that you have been accepted into your course. We will be organizing group flights through Toronto, so some flight discounts may be available when we know the number of participants. Note that you will need a valid passport to enter Cuba.

Courses: Classes will be in the mornings Monday-Friday. All classes will be offered in English.

Excursions: Weekday afternoon activities may include organized workplace visits, discussions with representatives of labour, political and other organizations, guided museum and architectural tours, and leisure activities in the Havana area.

There will be optional cultural activities (at an extra cost) in the evenings.

The first optional cost-plus weekend excursion will be to the Vinales area (May 5 & 6) and the second one will be to the Trinidad area (May 12 &13). Participants will be responsible for the associated costs.

Hotel: We’ll be staying at the stunning five-star Hotel Habana Libre. Situated only blocks away from the famed Malecon (oceanfront walkway), the University of Havana, and the city’s cultural center, the Habana Libre is within walking distance of all the best that the city has to offer in entertainment and cultural venues. As well, you’ll feast at the hotel’s fabulous breakfast and dinner buffets, and lounge in the best swimming pool in Cuba.

Participants: This program is designed for politically progressive activists from the labour and community movements. Most registrants will be from Canada. Registrants will need to be able to participate in the English language.

The main program will focus on international issues from a progressive perspective — particularly corporate globalization and building a progressive response. It will also include leadership development, language skills, arts and culture.

Recognized activist educators and academics, all committed to the principles of popular education, together with the University of Havana’s top foreign language staff and cultural experts will lead Global Solidarity School classes.

The school organizers are (affiliation indicated for reference only):