Heart-Wrenching Struggles in Holguín: Grandmother and Grandson Endure Dire Poverty

In the municipality of Gibara, nestled within Cuba's Holguín province, a grandmother and her grandson are surviving under severe poverty conditions. The grandmother assumed responsibility for the young boy after his mother was institutionalized due to psychiatric issues, losing custody following a severe incident.

The poignant story was brought to light by Cuban dancer, choreographer, and activist Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak, also known as Noly Blak. He shared the ordeal on Tuesday through a video on his Facebook profile, recorded directly at the site of their makeshift dwelling.

In the footage, captured inside a fragilely constructed home, the activist interviews the boy's grandmother, who candidly discusses the hardships they face. The child's mother had once attempted to set fire to the mattress where the boy slept. "It was his father who managed to save him; the room was filled with smoke. The neighbor, who is the child's aunt, helped extinguish the mattress," the grandmother recounted.

She further explained that the mother suffers from mental instability and has attempted suicide multiple times. Currently, she is receiving care at a specialized medical facility. "She doesn't have a bad heart," the grandmother expressed, offering little more about the incident or the boy’s mother.

Living Conditions and Community Support

The activist highlighted the dire living conditions faced by the grandmother and grandson: an unprotected roof and an outdoor kitchen. "When it rains, I have to wait for it to clear up before I can cook," the grandmother stated. "All I need is a small shelter where at least I won't get wet. It's tough living somewhere you can't lie down to sleep and have to sit up all night," she added.

Noly Blak committed to channeling aid for the family, clarifying he would not hand cash directly to the adults. "If the funds aren't enough for a house, I'll buy whatever is possible. But I won't hand over a single peso to the adults," he declared. He shared account numbers in CUP and MLC, along with his WhatsApp contact, urging that each donation be accompanied by a screenshot for transparency.

Activism and Broader Impact

Norge Ernesto Díaz Blak has been instrumental in various charitable efforts to support vulnerable individuals in Cuba. On a previous occasion, he spearheaded a fundraising campaign to acquire a home for a Cuban mother, showcasing his dedication to social causes beyond digital visibility. He not only coordinated the aid but also directly oversaw the process to ensure the resources reached their intended destination.

His activism significantly changed the life of a child living in extreme poverty, who received a new home thanks to the community response sparked by the dissemination of his story. Severe poverty among the elderly has also been a significant focus for Cuban activists. One elderly woman, struggling with inadequate nutrition and lacking proper living conditions, described experiencing dizziness due to hunger while living alone and neglected.

Such stories have been shared to channel donations and raise awareness about the harsh realities many citizens face. Other families with special needs, including a couple with physical disabilities, have required support due to insufficient state assistance. In a Holguín community, the story of two individuals surviving on sporadic help from acquaintances and neighbors was made public. This exposure was crucial in mobilizing support networks to offer more sustainable solutions.