A 12-year-old girl in Havana is hitting the streets to sell cookies and gum, trying to support her mother and younger sisters. Their family is currently living in an abandoned medical office after a cyclone completely destroyed their home.
This heartbreaking story was captured by content creator David, from the Instagram account @david_vela_ayuda_humanitaria, who bought all the girl's merchandise and walked with her to where she now lives.
"Our house collapsed. We don't have a home anymore, but we're staying in an abandoned clinic," the girl explained. Inside, there are no appliances. The family cooks with charcoal because they lack a gas stove. Their only electric pot barely works.
"There's nothing here. We don't have a refrigerator, washing machine, TV, nothing at all," she described.
Nighttime doesn't offer much reprieve either. "At night, I can't sleep because of the heat and the mosquitoes," she admitted.
Her school attendance is also sporadic, reflecting the dire conditions she faces: "Sometimes I don't go to school because my shoes are torn."
When David asked what she needed, her answer was straightforward: "If you can help me, buy me clothes, shoes, and food because I don't have any."
Struggles of a Mother and Her Children
The girl's mother shared her perspective, recalling the fear they felt when the cyclone hit. "I was scared because our house was already on the brink of collapse, so we moved here. Just days after, it fell completely."
"She's only 12, at an age where she should be playing, learning, and enjoying her childhood. Yet, she has to go out and sell sweets to support her mother and sisters," David remarked.
Children in Cuba Forced to Work
Throughout 2026, there has been a surge in reports of children selling food on the streets across Cuba, including Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camagüey, Las Tunas, and Sancti Spíritus.
In September, the story of two girls selling sweets in Camagüey to help their mother sparked a wave of solidarity online.
That same month, a 10-year-old boy selling garlic and bread was discovered not having eaten.
In August, two boys aged 13 and 11 were seen selling bread to support their families. In July, the plight of children working due to their mothers' illnesses was highlighted.
Authorities in Santiago de Cuba acknowledged in September an increase in reports of child labor and begging in their area.
Despite the 2025 Law 178, known as the Code of Childhood, Adolescents, and Youth, which explicitly prohibits child labor and classifies begging as a form of exploitation, the economic crisis is pushing entire families to the brink.
Understanding the Crisis of Child Labor in Cuba
What led to the increase in child labor in Cuba?
The economic hardships faced by many families in Cuba have forced children to work in order to support their families. The destruction caused by natural disasters like cyclones has also left many without homes and resources.
How does Law 178 address child labor?
Law 178, or the Code of Childhood, Adolescents, and Youth, explicitly prohibits child labor and identifies begging as a form of exploitation. However, enforcement remains a challenge amid the ongoing economic crisis.
What are some of the challenges faced by families living in abandoned buildings?
Families living in abandoned buildings often lack basic amenities such as electricity, cooking facilities, and proper sanitation. These conditions make daily living extremely difficult and compromise the safety and well-being of children.