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The economic crisis in Cuba continues to produce touching stories that reflect the daily struggle of families to survive.
On this occasion, journalist José Luis Tan Estrada shared on Facebook the story of Kevin, a 9-year-old boy from Camagüey who sells bottles of shampoo on the street to support his mother and his 7-year-old little brother.
He described him as a "little giant," dressed in his school uniform shorts, offering products in a café. Intrigued, he approached him and had a brief conversation that left the journalist deeply moved.
When approached by the journalist, Kevin explained his activity casually: “What are you doing?” Tan asked him. “I’m selling some shampoo,” the boy replied.
When pressed about the reason for the sale, Kevin explained, “To buy food for my mom and my little brother, who is 7 years old, and also to buy myself a pack of pellys.”
It was already 12:30 p.m., and when asked if he had eaten lunch, Kevin simply replied, "No."
The journalist decided to buy him a snack and noticed how the boy carefully saved half of it. When asked why he was doing that, Kevin explained, "To take it to my mom and my little brother."
"Kevin left with his green bag full of candies, sweets, treats, and a little bit of money, so that, even if just for today, he could play in the street with the neighborhood kids instead of selling shampoo," Tan recounted.
"I want to clarify that this post is not romantic at all; I am exposing a reality that is evident to everyone, and it becomes more apparent every day in Cuba," the journalist emphasized in the comments section.
This young boy, compelled to bear the weight of his household, displayed an unusual empathy and maturity for his age, evident in his candid and sincere responses, marked by a deep love and sense of responsibility toward his family, which leads him to sacrifice his childhood in search of what is essential.
However, their story is yet another reminder of the desperate situation faced by many Cuban families, particularly the most vulnerable, amid an economic crisis that seems never-ending.
It is also an alarm about the unfair burden that many children carry on their shoulders in a context where their innocence should be protected, not sacrificed due to a lack of basic resources.
Another case that recently came to light was that of a 15-year-old boy who, despite having a tracheotomy, was forced to sell pizzas on the streets of Camagüey to contribute some money to his household.
Yaslin Lorenzo, through the Facebook group "Sales in Bulk in Camagüey," requested help for a boy who, as she stated, "with a tracheostomy, is selling pizza on the street, and is 15 years old."
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Crisis and Child Labor in Cuba
Why does the boy Kevin sell shampoo on the streets of Camagüey?
Kevin, a 9-year-old boy from Camagüey, sells shampoo on the streets to support his mother and his 7-year-old little brother. The economic crisis in Cuba forces many children like Kevin to work to help their families, even though they should be protected and enjoying their childhood.
How is the economic crisis in Cuba affecting children?
The economic crisis in Cuba is leading to a troubling rise in child labor. Many children are forced to work on the streets to support their families, engaging in activities such as selling food or other products, which negatively impacts their education and personal development.
What other stories similar to Kevin's are emerging in Cuba?
In addition to Kevin, there are other children in similar situations in Cuba. For example, a 15-year-old boy with a tracheostomy sells pizzas on the streets of Camagüey to help his family. These stories reflect the desperate situation faced by many Cuban families, where children have to work to survive due to a lack of resources and government support.
What are Cuban citizens doing to help working children?
Citizens and activists in Cuba are organizing solidarity actions to help these vulnerable children. These initiatives include donations of food, clothing, and bicycles, as well as the establishment of community support networks to enhance the quality of life for children affected by the crisis.
What responsibility does the Cuban government have regarding the increase in child labor?
Although the Cuban government prohibits child labor, the lack of economic support and the ongoing economic crisis contribute to the persistence of this issue. The regime has been criticized for not taking responsibility for the rise in child labor and for blaming families for the situation without providing effective solutions.
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