Genildo was more than just a teacher; he was a mentor and advisor to countless adolescents and young adults at the José Martí Vocational Pre-University Institute of Exact Sciences in Holguín. Now, in retirement and battling illness, he finds himself collecting empty cans and doing any odd jobs he can find to ensure there's something to bring home. Saydanys Góngora, a former student, shared this heartbreaking reality on social media, recounting the shock of seeing her beloved teacher on the streets: "What my eyes witnessed, no matter how much I try, I cannot describe."
Góngora detailed the encounter: "An older man was walking towards us, his clothes and shoes were in tatters, holding a sack with something inside, likely empty cans and bottles, and a dirty piece of wood mimicking a cane. It was Genildo," she shared in a post on the IPVCE José Martí Pérez Facebook group. "Alongside despair and resignation, I saw sadness and shame," confessed the former student. "I managed to greet him with a... dear teacher! He avoided eye contact at first, then smiled and simply said... here, my dear, surviving."
According to Góngora, Genildo and his wife, retired teacher Esther, "collect cans, run errands, clean houses and yards, anything that allows them to eat. They live day by day, as best as they can, because their health doesn't permit much more." She added, deeply moved, "They live poorly, very poorly. And they gave so much! I don't know if we can all come together to help them. I hope so. They need it."
The Community's Response to Genildo's Plight
Another former student, who recently visited Genildo's home and asked to remain anonymous, told CiberCuba that the family "survives the entire month on about 5,000 pesos (CUP): Esther's pension, after more than 50 years of work, is 1,578; their disabled son's is 1,500, and Genildo's is a little over 2,000." She recalled that while they were talking, a neighbor brought them a small packet of coffee. Later, another arrived with some peppers and bananas. "These are small gestures that mean a lot in this context," she illustrated.
The story of 80-year-old Genildo has touched former students, teachers, and many who remember him with admiration. Juan Carlos Reynaldo Espinosa described him as "a tremendous teacher and excellent person. I always remember him." Yosvany Batista considered him not only a teacher but "my friend and like a father… my group, from the 1997-2000 generation, has tried to support him in various ways."
Desperation Amid Economic Hardship
Many former students and teachers are rallying to support Genildo. Aliuska García Cruz, also from the class of 2000, shared a memorable encounter: "I ran into Professor Genildo eight years ago, and he mentioned my full name and group number… Whatever we do will be little compared to what he gave us." From the neighboring province of Granma, Estela Pérez Guevara expressed her willingness to help. Sara Liz Ricardo Suárez suggested coordinating collective aid, offering to contribute financially.
Mahilen Montaña, another former student, explained that for over a year, a network of past students has been providing financial assistance to Genildo and Esther through purchases delivered to their home. "We celebrated his birthday this year. It's not enough, but it's our way of giving back for all he did for us. The professor is not alone; he has us and everyone who remembers him," she detailed.
Others, however, pointed out the broader issue affecting many elderly in Cuba. Maribel González Calzadilla criticized the meager pensions: "It's shameful that they are now destitute." Yanelys Castellano Elías agreed, stating, "What retirees endure is disgraceful. After giving their best to society, they're abandoned." More critical voices, like Yasmani MP and Harley Finalé Blanco, blamed the socialist regime. "The 'revolution' exploits them and then discards them," wrote one, while the other added, "This is Communism… Result of dedicating your life to teaching for a miserable salary and an even worse retirement."
Struggles of the Elderly in Cuba
Official data published last October revealed that 39% of Cuban retirees receive the minimum pension of 1,528 CUP a month, roughly equivalent to four dollars at the informal exchange rate. Amid rampant inflation, shortages, and soaring prices of basic goods, this amount doesn't cover even a modest diet: a pound of rice (200 CUP), a pound of black beans (300 CUP), three eggs (100 CUP each), a package of ground meat (600 CUP), and two cloves of garlic (40 CUP). A kilogram of powdered milk can cost up to 1,800 CUP.
In February, Cuban writer Eider Matos recounted meeting an elderly woman in Havana who confessed that her teacher's pension didn't allow her "the luxury of eating tomatoes." A year ago, the case of two elderly Cubans living in dire poverty also emerged, once again in Holguín.
Thousands of retirees, lacking external support or additional resources, resort to scavenging, collecting raw materials, or relying on the charity of passersby. Recently, state-run media have acknowledged the rising number of beggars on the streets, but instead of accepting governmental responsibility for the exponential growth of poverty in Cuba, the regime has shifted the blame onto Cuban families.
FAQs about the Struggles of Cuban Retirees
What is the average pension for retirees in Cuba?
The average pension for retirees in Cuba, as of the latest official data, is 1,528 CUP per month, which is approximately four dollars at the informal exchange rate.
How are retired teachers like Genildo surviving in Cuba?
Many retired teachers, including Genildo, survive by collecting cans, doing odd jobs, and relying on the charity of neighbors and former students to make ends meet.
What role do former students play in helping retired teachers?
Former students often organize efforts to provide financial assistance, make purchases, and offer emotional support to their retired teachers to help them cope with their financial difficulties.