A young Cuban woman living in Matanzas has deeply moved thousands of TikTok users with a video showcasing her heartfelt gesture of preparing a meal for her elderly neighbor, who lives alone and struggles to make ends meet with an inadequate pension. "The situation in Cuba is really tough, especially for her as an older lady," explained Sheyla (@sheyreyes032), as she lovingly documented the process of cooking rice, minced meat, and fried sweet potatoes with her mother. Like many Cuban households, they resorted to using charcoal due to the shortage of domestic gas.
"What I gave her wasn't much, but I offered it with all the love in the world," Sheyla commented. She chose not to film her neighbor to avoid making her feel uncomfortable, emphasizing the importance of respecting those who don’t wish to be recorded.
The touching act sparked a wave of positive responses: "God bless you and multiply your kindness," "You have a beautiful heart," and "This speaks well of you," were among the comments flooding the post. Curious users also inquired about the Cuban dishes, "picadillo" and "boniaticos," impressed by the meal made with limited resources. She was also praised for not exposing the elderly woman: "What I loved most was that you didn't record her," one user noted.
This is not Sheyla's first display of solidarity. In April, during a power outage lasting over 12 hours, she showed how she used her generator to help neighbors charge phones and lamps. "We even charge phones in the bathroom," she shared, earning admiration for her generosity and community spirit.
Her story is part of a growing wave of altruistic actions in Cuba, arising in response to the collapse of the social support system. Other examples include Ale Barber, a young barber from Sancti Spíritus offering free haircuts to bedridden and hospitalized patients, and Anita, a young mother from Matanzas, who has repeatedly shared food with homeless seniors, even during blackouts, cooking with charcoal what little she has to ease others' hunger.
In Guantánamo, another heart-wrenching case recently captured the attention of Cubans: Jonathan, a child with Down Syndrome and multiple illnesses, living in inhumane conditions with his mother. A social media campaign is underway to gather donations to assist them.
Despite severe hardships, many Cubans on and off the island continue to mobilize to help, driven not by abundance, but by empathy. As Sheyla from Matanzas aptly puts it: "I may not have much, but what I give, I give with love."
Understanding the Altruistic Acts in Cuba
What challenges do elderly Cubans face in receiving adequate pensions?
Elderly Cubans often face financial hardship due to insufficient pensions that do not cover the rising cost of living, compounded by the country's economic difficulties.
How are Cubans addressing shortages in daily necessities?
Many Cubans are finding creative solutions to deal with shortages, such as using charcoal for cooking amidst a lack of domestic gas, and community sharing of resources during power outages.
What are some examples of community support in Cuba?
Examples include individuals like Sheyla sharing meals, Ale Barber offering free haircuts, and others organizing campaigns to support those in dire need, demonstrating strong community solidarity.