Cuban content creator Sheyla Reyes (@sheyreyes03) demonstrated in a video posted on TikTok what a teacher in Cuba can buy with the monthly salary they receive for their work.
Reyes explained that the average salary of a teacher ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 Cuban pesos, a figure that has been severely impacted by the uncontrolled inflation and the devaluation of the CUP in recent years.
The TikToker used that budget to make a purchase and demonstrate how limited the purchasing power of these professionals is. The result was as follows: two small bottles of lemon juice, two bundles of green beans, one can of tomato sauce, a bit of ají cachucha, and five pounds of black beans.
"Do you think a teacher in Cuba can survive an entire month with such little food?" asked the content creator.
Inflation leaves Cuban families without enough food
The case illustrated by Sheyla Reyes is not an exception. Amid the severe economic crisis facing Cuba, characterized by shortages, inflation, and low wages, thousands of families struggle daily to secure a healthy diet.
More and more Cubans are unable to access even basic products like bread, oil, or rice. Meanwhile, food prices continue to rise, and incomes in Cuban pesos are losing value against the informal market and foreign currencies, particularly the dollar and the euro.
Sheyla's complaint adds to many others circulating on social media, where citizens expose the harsh reality they face to survive in a country where state workers receive salaries that do not even meet basic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Economy and the Situation of Teachers in Cuba
What is the average salary of a teacher in Cuba?
The average salary of a teacher in Cuba ranges between 2,500 and 3,000 Cuban pesos. This salary has been severely impacted by inflation and the devaluation of the CUP, which significantly limits the purchasing power of teachers on the island.
What can you buy with a teacher's salary in Cuba?
With a teacher's monthly salary in Cuba, very few basic products can be purchased. For instance, Sheyla Reyes demonstrated that with that budget, she could only buy two small bottles of lemon juice, two bundles of green beans, a can of tomato sauce, a bit of ají cachucha, and five pounds of black beans.
How does inflation affect the purchasing power of teachers in Cuba?
Inflation in Cuba has severely eroded the purchasing power of teachers. Salaries do not reflect market reality, while the prices of food and basic goods continue to rise, leaving many families unable to ensure a healthy diet.
How does the economic situation of teachers in Cuba compare to that of other countries?
The economic situation of Cuban teachers is extremely precarious compared to other countries. For example, in Venezuela, a teacher earns only 2 dollars a month, while in Colombia, 100% of the salary is paid during maternity leave. In comparison, Cuban teachers face salaries that do not meet even the most basic needs.
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