Cuban activists have launched an urgent appeal for aid to support children living in extreme poverty in the villages of the Sierra Maestra and other remote areas in the province of Santiago de Cuba.
Yankiel Fernández, coordinator of the Humanitarian Project Aliento de Vida, made a plea on social media for anyone who can contribute donations to the children and other residents in these communities who lack basic necessities such as food, clothing, and medical supplies.
"The images speak for themselves, I need everyone's help," Fernández told his followers on Facebook. "My people, we are still collecting donations for Sierra Maestra and four more of the most remote villages in Santiago de Cuba."
He reminded everyone that "any help, no matter how small it seems, is a great blessing for those places where children don't even know what it's like to enjoy a piece of candy, something that simple."
Until June 10, activists from Aliento de Vida will be gathering donations, which can include clothing, medications, first-aid supplies, hygiene products, and non-perishable food items such as canned goods. Additionally, school supplies, toys, and sweets are also welcome.
Fernández provided bank account details for monetary donations (9224 9598 7881 8648 CUP and 9225 9598 7553 4866 MLC) and a phone number for confirming shipments (58-04-77-06).
The work of activists and independent organizations in Cuba has brought to light the dire conditions of poverty and vulnerability in which thousands of Cuban families are surviving. Meanwhile, government officials and state-run media continue to tout the supposed priority attention the regime gives to such cases.
On social media, there are numerous reports from activists, dissidents, and ordinary citizens alerting the public about people living in absolute destitution, unable to meet their basic needs.
The Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH) has repeatedly warned about the alarming increase in homelessness in the country, a clear consequence of the failed economic policies implemented by the government.
In April, the regime admitted that the number of homeless people has tripled, with 3,690 beggars recorded between 2014 and 2023.
According to a study by the international observatory DatoWorld, in 2023, Cuba was identified as the poorest country in Latin America, with a poverty rate of 72%.
FAQ about the Poverty Crisis in Santiago de Cuba
In light of the increasing awareness and concern regarding the poverty crisis in Santiago de Cuba, here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
What is Aliento de Vida?
Aliento de Vida is a humanitarian project coordinated by Yankiel Fernández, aimed at providing aid to impoverished communities in Cuba, particularly in remote areas like the Sierra Maestra.
How can I contribute to the aid efforts?
You can contribute by donating clothing, medications, hygiene products, non-perishable food items, school supplies, toys, and sweets. Monetary donations can be made to the provided bank accounts: 9224 9598 7881 8648 CUP and 9225 9598 7553 4866 MLC. Additionally, you can confirm shipments via phone at 58-04-77-06.
What has been the government's response to the poverty issue?
Despite the severe conditions, government officials and state-run media continue to claim that the regime provides priority attention to these cases. However, the increasing number of reports and the tripling of homelessness figures suggest otherwise.
How widespread is poverty in Cuba according to recent studies?
According to the international observatory DatoWorld, Cuba was identified as the poorest country in Latin America in 2023, with a poverty rate of 72%.