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The Cuban journalist Yosmany Mayeta managed to virtually reconnect with his sister Leodania Mayeta in Cuba, after more than a year without communication, just a few days after requesting help on social media.
"How lovely it is to hear the voice of my sister Leodania Mayeta again! A thousand thanks to everyone who supported us inside and outside of Cuba to achieve this virtual reunion," expressed the activist Mayeta with emotion on Facebook after reaching the long-awaited goal.
On February 17, Mayeta, based in the United States, made a public appeal on his digital platforms to locate his sister Leodania, who, according to the last information he had, was living in Havana with their mother, a nurse by profession.
His request sparked the solidarity of his followers and colleagues, who helped spread the information, thus enabling the journalist to reestablish contact with his relative.
In recent years, social media has become a key tool for Cubans seeking to reconnect with family members with whom they have lost contact, whether due to migration, natural disasters, communication issues, or crises on the island.
Family reunification groups have significantly grown on digital platforms, allowing thousands of people both inside and outside of Cuba to support each other in the search for their loved ones.
Cases like that of Mayeta illustrate the impact of these initiatives, just like the story of Dyan Pérez Yanes, a seven-year-old Cuban boy who in March 2024 asked for help on social media to reunite with his parents in the United States, from whom he had been separated for over two years.
Another moving example occurred in October 2024, when Hurricane Oscar devastated Guantánamo, leaving dozens of families cut off from communication. At that time, digital platforms became the main channel for finding loved ones affected by the disaster.
The case of Mayeta is yet another reflection of the power of solidarity and technology in times of crisis, allowing the distances imposed by various circumstances to be overcome with the help of a community willing to lend a hand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Using Social Media to Locate Family Members in Cuba
How did Yosmany Mayeta manage to find his sister in Cuba?
Yosmany Mayeta found his sister thanks to support on social media. After publicly requesting help on February 17, 2025, his followers and colleagues spread the information, which allowed him to reconnect with his sister in just a few days.
What role do social media play in family reunification in Cuba?
Social networks are a key tool for family reunification in Cuba. They allow people both inside and outside the country to search for and find loved ones with whom they have lost contact due to migration, natural disasters, or crises on the island.
What impact do family reunions have on social media?
Family reunions on social media create a deep emotional connection. These moments move those who witness them, reflecting the sacrifice and love involved in family separation, and highlighting the power of solidarity and technology to overcome distances.
What recent examples highlight the use of social media to locate family members in Cuba?
A notable example is the case of Dyan Pérez Yanes, a Cuban boy who in March 2024 asked for help on social media to reunite with his parents in the United States. Another significant case occurred in October 2024, when families affected by Hurricane Oscar turned to digital platforms to locate their loved ones.
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