ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses why Cuba organized in 1977 a program of international scholarships on the Isla de la Juventud in the form of educational aid to countries breaking free of colonization. It is argued that from the comprehensive, free, and long-term character of this program, coupled with the prioritization of specific school levels and their collaborative management with the counterparts involved, Cuba aligned itself with the educational challenges and development aspirations of “Third World” countries. More particularly, it implemented a quite sui generis vision of global solidarity in development aid with respect to Northern paradigms, based on a specific conception and practice of educational internationalism. This contributed to enhancing Cuba’s political prestige in the Global South, as “the aided” received substantial benefits.
