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Children Scavenge Through Trash in Ciego de Ávila Amid Rising Extreme Poverty in Cuba

Thursday, December 25, 2025 by Amelia Soto

A video posted by Yonimiler Del Río Polo captures the distressing sight of children and adults rummaging through heaps of garbage in a neighborhood in Ciego de Ávila. This scene starkly underscores the escalating extreme poverty afflicting Cuban families.

Filmed in broad daylight, the footage vividly demonstrates the worsening social and sanitary conditions in the area. However, users emphasize that this issue is not confined to this province alone but is a widespread problem throughout the entire country.

"It's heartbreaking to see children searching through trash because in Cuba, parents earn a paltry wage that doesn't cover basic needs," lamented Del Río Polo. He attributes the dire situation to the "Castro-communist regime."

He elaborated that many young ones sift through refuse to discover toys, recyclable cans, money, or even food, all while risking exposure to diseases due to unsanitary conditions and the lack of medical supplies.

The activist from Ciego de Ávila strongly condemned the regime's indifference and the social complacency in the face of an ever-worsening reality.

"How long will the people endure such hardships?" he questioned in his social media post.

The images from Ciego de Ávila harshly illustrate the human cost of the Cuban crisis. The country is increasingly witnessing scenes of impoverished childhoods, scavenging through waste for what the State fails to provide.

Understanding Cuba's Economic Crisis

What are the main causes of extreme poverty in Cuba?

Extreme poverty in Cuba is primarily driven by the country's economic policies under the socialist regime, which have led to insufficient wages, lack of resources, and poor living conditions.

How does extreme poverty affect children in Cuba?

Children in Cuba are severely impacted by extreme poverty as they often lack access to basic necessities such as food, medicine, and education, and are forced to scavenge for essentials, risking their health.

What can be done to alleviate poverty in Cuba?

Addressing poverty in Cuba requires comprehensive economic reforms, increased international aid, and policies that ensure better distribution of resources and improved living conditions for the population.

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