Yadier is a teenager from Camagüey who makes a heartfelt plea: he needs to work to help his mother.
“I have a very poor economic stability, my mom works, I study, and I look for a job to help her in any way I can... Everything in Cuba has a very high price,” says the young man in a video shared by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights (OCDH).
His testimony summarizes in just a few seconds what millions of Cubans experience, trapped in an economic crisis with no visible way out, where the daily bread literally costs more than they have.
But Yadier's case is not unique. In today's Cuba, child poverty is no longer a distant statistic; it has become the everyday reality for those who should be playing, learning, or dreaming.
According to data from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), 9% of Cuban children suffer from severe food insecurity, and they only consume two of the eight essential foods needed for healthy development. Meat, eggs, or fish are luxuries that rarely appear on their plates.
Moreover, child labor, which was previously denied by official discourse, has started to become normalized, independent organizations warn. Children selling bread or collecting waste, minors working night shifts under precarious conditions, without protection, without guarantees, and above all, without childhood.
The Cuba where children "figure things out"
The case of Yadier occurs in a devastating context. 89% of Cuban families live in extreme poverty, according to the VII Report from OCDH in 2024. And 7 out of 10 Cubans have stopped eating breakfast, lunch, or dinner due to lack of money or food. Among the most affected are the elderly and children.
This is compounded by a lack of political will. Despite having publicly acknowledged issues such as begging and child labor, the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel has chosen to place the blame on families and downplay the role of the State, without announcing concrete measures or recognizing the magnitude of the problem.
“I need to find a job and someone to support me so I can help my mom,” says Yadier with a serenity that wounds. His plea is not just a reflection of need, but of maturity forced by circumstances.
In a country where the minimum wage is less than 20 dollars a month and where children are forced to survive, the story of this young man embodies the collapse of a system that once promised social justice.
His testimony has touched many on social media, but it also raises a question: How many Yadiers are there today in Cuba? How many more children must bear adult responsibilities while their dreams dissolve amidst blackouts, hunger, and resignation?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Economic Crisis and Child Labor in Cuba
Why is Yadier, a Cuban teenager, looking for a job?
Yadier, a teenager from Camagüey, is looking for a job to help his mother due to their very poor economic stability. The high cost of living in Cuba and the lack of financial resources lead many young people to seek employment to support their families.
What is the situation of child poverty in Cuba?
Child poverty in Cuba is a concerning reality. 9% of Cuban children experience severe food insecurity, meaning they only consume two of the eight essential foods for healthy development. This issue has been exacerbated by the economic crisis and the lack of effective measures from the government.
How does the economic crisis affect food in Cuba?
The economic crisis in Cuba has resulted in a massive loss of access to food. 96.91% of Cubans have lost access to food due to inflation and the decline in purchasing power, forcing many families to adopt unhealthy diets and reduce the number of daily meals.
What actions has the Cuban government taken to address child labor?
Despite acknowledging the existence of child labor, the Cuban government has downplayed the role of the State in the issue and has not announced concrete measures to address it. The lack of government action has allowed child labor to become normalized amid the economic crisis.
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