Yadier, a teenager from Camagüey, has made an emotional plea: he desperately needs a job to support his mother. "Our financial situation is terrible. My mom works, I go to school, and I’m looking for any job to help her... Everything in Cuba is so expensive," he shares in a video released by the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights (OCDH). His brief testimony captures the dire reality faced by millions of Cubans stuck in a seemingly endless economic crisis, where even the daily bread costs more than they can afford.
Yadier's situation is far from isolated. In today's Cuba, child poverty is no longer an abstract statistic; it has become the everyday reality for children who should be playing, learning, or dreaming. According to UNICEF, 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food poverty, consuming only two of the eight essential foods needed for healthy development. Items like meat, eggs, or fish are rare luxuries on their plates.
Moreover, independent organizations warn that child labor, once denied by official narratives, has started becoming normalized. Children selling bread, collecting garbage, or working precarious night shifts without protection or guarantees have become a common sight, robbing them of their childhood.
The Reality of Cuban Children "Getting By"
Yadier's story unfolds in a devastating context. According to the OCDH's VII Report of 2024, 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty. Seven out of ten Cubans have had to skip breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to a lack of money or food. The elderly and children are among the most affected.
This dire situation is compounded by a lack of political will. Despite public acknowledgment of issues like begging and child labor, the government, under Miguel Díaz-Canel, has shifted the blame onto families, downplaying the state's role and failing to propose concrete solutions.
"I need to find a job and someone to support me so I can help my mom," Yadier states with a calmness that cuts deep. His plea reflects not just a lack of resources but a maturity forced upon him by circumstances.
With a minimum wage that doesn't exceed $20 per month and children pushed into survival mode, Yadier's story personifies the collapse of a model that once promised social justice. His account has touched many on social media, prompting introspection: How many more like Yadier are there in Cuba today? How many children will have to bear adult responsibilities, while their dreams vanish amid blackouts, hunger, and resignation?
Understanding the Economic Struggles of Cuban Families
What is the current economic situation in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe economic crisis, with the majority of families living in extreme poverty and struggling to afford basic necessities.
How does child poverty manifest in Cuba?
Child poverty in Cuba is evident through malnutrition and a lack of essential foods, forcing children into labor to support their families.
What actions has the Cuban government taken regarding these issues?
The Cuban government, led by Miguel Díaz-Canel, has acknowledged the problems but has largely attributed them to family responsibilities without implementing substantial measures.