Students embarking on curriculum subjects Spanish, the sciences and visual arts can expect to receive a boost from this year's influx of Cuban teachers, set to perform their duties this academic year.

The 11 Cuban teachers attended a two-day orientation exercise at the Altamont Court hotel, in New Kingston, as part of the Ministry of Education's efforts to prepare the teachers with an insight into the challenge ahead.

Coordination

Molly Jacas, acting senior education officer - secondary coordination, said the teachers will tenure for three years as opposed to two years, following the success of previous groups. Jacas said the teachers will assist in areas difficult to source teachers for subjects such as music, physical education and Spanish.

Cedar Valley Primary and Junior High School in St Thomas will gain its first Spanish teacher when Yasnivy Idislaidy Legra starts on September 1.

Legra told The Gleaner Wed-nesday that she found the orientation to be useful and is looking forward to working with the children.

Hard work

"I am accustomed to hard work and love children," she said. "As the first Cuban teacher in the school, it will be a great challenge and I am proud of this."

Margarita Villalon Robinson, a Cuban national has Jamaican links through her deceased grandparents, and is set to also teach Spanish in St Thomas.

"Our first objective is to help and transform the education system," she said. "We want to know the Jamaican culture and transmit Cuban culture at the same time as the students learn the language."