The Cuban regime reactivated the Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI) in Santiago de Cuba, an initiative aimed at involving children in economic and social activities during the summer.
During the months of July and August, the children will work in factories, food processing centers, and urban gardens, as revealed in a report from the local telecenter TurquinoTevé.
With the justification that the FAPI contributes to "the formation of values regarding work responsibility," children must spend part of their vacations working.
"They have the opportunity to donate a portion of their vacation voluntarily to contribute to the development of the economy as they can also do so in factories, in some food processing centers, etc., especially in the community," highlighted one of the educators interviewed.
Students also get involved in cleaning activities at schools, in urban gardens, among others.
"We participate in various activities, such as helping to fix the school and the study materials. We can also take part in the organoponic project, helping to make it beautiful," a child told the press.
In a context marked by inflation, the worsening economic crisis, and blackouts, the regime aims to foster social awareness among children by involving them in activities related to schools and communities during the summer.
Last year, the government "revived" this old formula that once succeeded in motivating children, teenagers, and young people to engage in initiatives that advocated for community development and active participation in the economic and social life of the country.
Some time ago, the FAPI took children to nearby economic entities close to educational centers to assist in cleaning areas, beautifying gardens, recycling raw materials, and other similar tasks.
The First Secretary of the Union of Young Communists (UJC) in the province, stated in the summer of 2024 that the idea is for children and young people to combine recreational activities during the summer with "supporting productive efforts and social growth in neighborhoods and communities undergoing transformation, as well as in their own residential areas.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Labor in Cuba and the Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI)
What are the Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI) in Cuba?
The Pioneer Action Forces (FAPI) are an initiative of the Cuban regime to engage children in economic and social activities during the summer, such as working in factories, food processing centers, and organoponics. This program aims to justify child participation as a means of instilling values related to work responsibility.
Why is it considered that FAPI promotes child labor?
Despite the official presentation of FAPI as an educational program, critics argue that these activities represent a form of child labor, as children are required to spend part of their vacation engaged in economic activities amidst a backdrop of economic crisis and extreme material shortages. This violates their fundamental rights and diverges from an appropriate environment for recreation and learning.
How does the economic crisis in Cuba affect the increase in child labor?
The economic crisis in Cuba has increased child labor, pushing many children to engage in informal work to support their families. Food shortages and extreme poverty force minors to take on economic responsibilities from a young age, a situation condemned by independent organizations such as the Food Monitor Program.
What does Cuban law say about child labor?
In Cuba, the law prohibits child labor and protects the rights of minors, according to the Constitution and the Labor Code. However, in practice, the economic crisis has led to an increase in child labor, particularly in the informal sector, and reports of violations of these rights have risen.
What measures has the Cuban government taken regarding child labor?
The Cuban government has publicly acknowledged the existence of concerning manifestations of child labor, but the concrete measures to address the problem have been insufficient. Although attempts have been made to improve social policies and review salaries, the proposed changes thus far have not provided structural solutions to protect minors and ensure their rights.
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