Nigeria, March 29 -- I walked into the Casa de Africa or Africa House in Havana. I wanted to find out what made it uniquely African. But I was in for a surprise. I had not realised that it also housed a unique class for children learning basic subjects like history, geography and African languages, including Yoruba.

I tried to tip toe so as not to disturb the class. The tour guide, Miguel Abreu, and I spoke in low tones. But the children had been told that a friend of Cuba was visiting. They rose and welcomed me with a song.

How was I to explain to these fifth graders that the primary cause of their country's problems is that it has a neighbour 95 miles away, which for 63 years has imposed severe sanctions on it?

So, I assured them tha...