A young Cuban resident in Matanzas has once again captured attention on social media by sharing a video in which she shows how she prepared food assistance for an elderly neighbor who lives alone and does not have family support.
The protagonist, identified as Sheyla (@sheyreyes032 on TikTok), explained in the video that she decided to prepare homemade croquettes with tuna and cheese, accompanied by a can of tomato puree and a package of spaghetti, as a way to extend aid and make the food last longer.
"She's an elderly woman who lives alone and has no family to help her," Sheyla recounted while demonstrating step by step how she made croquettes, turning to YouTube tutorials and using the few ingredients she had available. She also thanked her partner, Javier, for bringing her flour, which she didn’t have at home. "When you do things with love and good intentions, everything turns out well," she asserted.
The video generated multiple reactions. Many users praised the young woman's supportive gesture: “May God multiply it back to you in health,” “Hands that give will never be empty,” “What a big heart you have,” were some of the positive comments. Others, however, questioned her cooking technique or the fact that she did not show the beneficiary: “Those aren’t croquettes,” “The flour needs to be cooked first,” “Why don’t you show the neighbor?”
Sheyla responded that she preferred not to film the lady out of respect, as not everyone feels comfortable being recorded while receiving help. “She was really happy, they say that the food turned out great, and I am happy and grateful to God for giving me the opportunity to help others, even if it's just a little,” she expressed in the video's description.
This is not the first time this young woman has starred in a viral act of empathy with her retired neighbor, a gesture that has touched the hearts of thousands of Internet users. On another occasion, she demonstrated how she used her generator during power outages to help charge phones and lamps for her neighbors.
Stories like Sheyla's have become increasingly common in Cuba, where scarcity and the deterioration of the social assistance system have led many people to support each other. Gestures that, although small, demonstrate the value of solidarity in the face of difficulties.
Frequently asked questions about acts of solidarity in Cuba and the socioeconomic situation
Who is Sheyla and why has her act of solidarity gone viral?
Sheyla is a young Cuban resident in Matanzas who has gained notoriety on social media for her acts of solidarity towards her neighbors, especially an elderly neighbor who lives alone. Her videos, where she shares how she prepares simple meals with the few resources she has, have touched thousands of people and reflect the difficult economic situation in Cuba.
What is the situation of the elderly in Cuba and why do they need assistance?
In Cuba, many elderly individuals are facing a critical situation due to insufficient pensions and a shortage of basic products. The lack of government support has led them to rely on the solidarity of their neighbors and people like Sheyla, who try to ease their needs with small acts of kindness, such as sharing food or helping them carry devices during power outages.
How is the economic crisis in Cuba reflected through the acts of solidarity shared on social media?
The acts of solidarity shared on social media highlight the severe shortage of basic goods and the collapse of the social assistance system in Cuba. People like Sheyla and Anita demonstrate how, despite their own economic challenges, they seek to help the most vulnerable, revealing a community that supports each other amidst the crisis.
Why doesn't Sheyla show the elderly woman who benefited in her videos?
Sheyla has chosen not to show the elderly beneficiary in her videos out of respect for her privacy and because she understands that not everyone feels comfortable being recorded while receiving assistance. This decision has been supported by many of her followers, who appreciate her thoughtfulness and respect towards the individuals she helps.
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