After a plea for help was published for a 15-year-old Cuban boy who, despite having a tracheostomy, sells pizzas on the streets of Camagüey to contribute some money to his household, many individuals have stepped up to offer assistance in the midst of the severe economic crisis affecting the country.
"We all can contribute in our own small way," said user Dane Amaya in relation to this case in the Facebook group "Sales in Bulk in Camagüey," where the situation of this young man was brought to light.
Amaya reported that she went to visit him and "bring him things he might need"; however, she stated that "his conditions are truly critical in every sense and they really do need help."
According to this user, this teenager "is not in the best health and, on top of that, is very affectionate and easy to deal with."
He added that the teenager's mother and stepfather are "very nice people but they are distressed and have also been deceived. Those who have been able to be there will know the testimony."
According to the Camagüey journalist José Luis Tan Estrada, who is very supportive of families experiencing situations with children working on the streets, people close to the young man refer to him as "Tito."
"She not only sells pizzas, but everything she can to make a living and ‘earn a little money,’" Tan indicated.
He also pointed out that Tito "does everything for himself. He cooks his own meals, including his puree. Furthermore, he is not well cared for despite his health conditions."
He explained that he underwent a tracheostomy at the age of four after accidentally ingesting caustic soda. Later, they attempted to graft a piece of skin, but it was necessary to intervene again.
Finally, he highlighted that Tito is well-regarded by his neighbors and those who know him. However, "he lives with relatives in the Nitrógeno neighborhood in Camagüey, in a complicated situation within his family."
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Labor and the Crisis in Cuba
Why is a 15-year-old boy with a tracheostomy selling pizzas in Camagüey?
The economic crisis in Cuba is forcing many children to work to support their families. In the case of Tito, a 15-year-old boy with a tracheostomy, the lack of government support and extreme poverty have driven him to sell pizzas on the streets of Camagüey to help provide for his household, despite his fragile health conditions.
How is the Cuban economic crisis affecting children?
The economic crisis in Cuba is causing a troubling rise in child labor. Many minors, like Tito in Camagüey, are forced to work from a young age in activities such as selling food on the streets to help support their families financially. This situation is exacerbated by the lack of government support for the most vulnerable families.
What actions are being taken to help these children in Cuba?
There is a growing mobilization of solidarity from the Cuban community both on the island and abroad. Cases like that of Roelbis, known as "Titingo," have received support from compassionate Cubans seeking to improve the living conditions of these children. However, this assistance does not replace the need for structural change and effective government support to eradicate child labor in the country.
What does the increase in child labor reflect about the situation in Cuba?
The increase in child labor reflects the severity of the economic and social crisis in Cuba. Despite the fact that Cuban law prohibits child labor, the reality is that many children are forced to work due to extreme poverty and a lack of basic resources. This phenomenon highlights the regime's inability to provide a safe and suitable environment for child development.
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