In response to the intention of providing each provincial capital with an educational institution not only of large proportions, but also a center for the specialization and preparation of its students in the exact sciences, the Máximo Gómez Báez Vocational Pre-University Institute of Exact Sciences Institute was created in Camagüey (IPVCE, by its acronym in Spanish) -the second of these significant educational centers.
Its inauguration takes place on September 1st, 1976, coinciding with the beginning of the school year. In said opening, Fidel gave a speech in which he described it as “marvelous” and exalted the work of the Camagüey builders, as Meylis Cruz Fernández affirms.
Architectural value
Although at present -according to Alina Santana Ortiz- it has partially lost some of its original values, due among other factors to the little maintenance of the building and the erroneous transformations (caused, in turn, by the ignorance of some institutions and the population of the values of its architecture) this impressive center culminated the progressive process of architectural maturation, based on the sum and verification of previous experiences.
Therefore, its significance for the local and national context is evident. Hence the need for conscious restoration.
The equestrian statue of Máximo Gómez
At the main entrance that gives access to the central nucleus of the IPVCE, made up of buildings of greater complexity in their geometry and concentration of volumes, according to Santana Ortiz, there is an equestrian statue of the Generalissimo , work of the sculptor Delarra, together with the ceremonial plaza.
It is valid to mention that this artist from Havana is also the author of other important monuments, among which stands out the one of Che belonging to the sculptural group located in Santa Clara.
Throughout the school years, it has become a symbol of legitimacy for the vocational students, framed in a photograph that cannot be missing.
Achievements and Recognitions
In 47 years, for its results, this institution has received national and international recognitions and decorations. The awards achieved by its students in the international Olympics in subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Mathematics stand out.
Conclusions
Without a doubt, the importance of the Máximo Gómez Báez Vocational Pre-University Institute of Exact Sciences transcends the educational, architectural and patrimonial levels, becoming a benchmark that exalts the province at the national level.
Bibliography:
– Cruz Fernández, Meylis. La imagen de los “vocacionales”. www.adelante.cu, 1ro de septiembre de 2017.
– Santana Ortiz, Alina. Escuela Vocacional “Máximo Gómez”. Arcada. Revista de conservación del patrimonio cultural 6(2), 1-11. 2018.
Translated by: Aileen Álvarez García
