Conrado Benítez: beyond the teaching profession (+audio).

Silence and humility marked the life of Conrado Benítez García, son of the Athens of Cuba and an example to follow for all those who find an opportunity to learn, grow and educate in the benefits of teaching.

Silence and humility marked the life of Conrado Benítez García, son of the Athens of Cuba and an example to follow for all of us who find an opportunity to learn, grow and educate in the benefits of teaching.

Introverted, respectful and shy, he was born on February 19th, 1942 and, from an early age, he was forced to work to support his home, although the passion he showed for teaching never stopped beating inside him.

Recognized by the National Poet, Nicolás Guillén, as an exemplary teacher and friend, Conrado stood out for his affable treatment with the peasants and his devotion to teaching, which led him to be part of the contingent of volunteer teachers in the Sierra Maestra, where, despite his dreams of studying engineering, he chose to teach and train in the military.

Courage, love and dedication flashed in his teaching work when he was placed in the conflictive and remote Sierra Reunión, an intricate area of Trinidad where, among others, the counterrevolutionary gangs of Emilio Carretero and Osvaldo Ramírez operated, and where he built his school in a sawmill and helped his partner Magalys Olmos López to build hers.

His commitment to the wisdom and welfare of his students took him to the Tinajitas area, in the Escambray mountain range, where he was killed by rebels, led by the aforementioned Osvaldo Ramirez, on January 5th, 1961, just a few days after the Literacy Campaign had begun.

That teaching enthusiast only longed to put an end to the ignorance that darkened the future of the Cuban population, but injustice shattered the dreams of that 19-year-old boy, who became a martyr and eternally loved and respected for his professionalism, discipline and perseverance.

An obelisk was later erected in his honor and, as a testimony of his unwavering educational spirit, the literacy brigade adopted his name. Conrado Benítez became an obligatory and immortal reference for those of us who practice the profession he defended with so much zeal, decorum and passion.

…ONLINE AUDIO

Written by Yadiel Barbón Salgado.