A Cuban educator took to TikTok to reveal her monthly spending power with a salary of 4,000 Cuban pesos, sparking outrage and sorrow among social media users over the dire economic conditions in the country.
"This is what I could afford with 4,000 Cuban pesos here in Cuba, thanks to my job. This is my salary, and mind you, I'm a teacher," stated the young woman, Adhara Toled, on her TikTok account (@adharatoled2).
In the video, Adhara displays the scant items she managed to purchase: a packet of coffee priced at 2,100 pesos, four eggs costing 100 each, a bag of beans exceeding 800 pesos, and a small pack of rice for over 1,000. "This is all I could buy with 4,000 pesos, and I think I even went a little over. Everything you see here is the result of my month's work and four years of university study," she remarked with resignation.
Her account quickly went viral on social media, with many users showing support for the teacher while criticizing the low wages paid to professionals in Cuba. "I worked a month for four eggs, a pack of coffee, and a pack of beans," she summarized in a tone of frustration.
In Cuba, the average salary hovers around 4,200 Cuban pesos, a figure that, according to independent economists, barely covers a few days of basic food needs. Meanwhile, the dollar's price surpasses 350 CUP on the informal market, further diminishing state earnings.
Educators and workers in the education sector are among the most affected by the economic crisis, power outages, and inflation. Despite the regime's calls to "resist and remain hopeful," more and more Cubans are publicly denouncing the loss of purchasing power of their wages and the impossibility of living with dignity on state salaries.
Cuba's Economic Struggles: FAQs
What is the average salary in Cuba?
The average salary in Cuba is approximately 4,200 Cuban pesos.
Why is the cost of living so high in Cuba?
High inflation rates, devaluation of the Cuban peso, and a struggling economy contribute to the high cost of living in Cuba.
How does the Cuban economic crisis affect educators?
Educators in Cuba face low wages, power outages, and inflation, which severely impact their quality of life and purchasing power.