Yuniel, a 15-year-old teenager who often cleans windshields at a corner in the 10 de Octubre municipality in Havana, received a new bicycle as a gift from a couple of Cubans who, upon learning his story, decided to make his dream come true.
The gesture was shared on social media by Guillermo Rodríguez Sánchez, who posted an emotional video of the moment he was given the bicycle on Facebook.
"Thanks to Harvyn, the young man who can be heard speaking in the video, who saw the boy cleaning windshields and served as a bridge for us to gift him the bike when he said he was saving up for it," Rodríguez wrote.
In addition to the vehicle, Yuniel received a bag of candies, clothing, shoes, and 18,000 pesos donated by a user known as "Tía Tetas," who regularly supports social causes.
The minor's mother is aware of the support and, as Rodríguez reported, she committed to ensuring that he does not return to the dangerous intersection to work.
The video shows Yuniel happy, grateful, and excited as he rides his bicycle: "Brand new... with a shock absorber and everything," he said before launching into pedaling enthusiastically.
Despite the harsh conditions he faces, Yuniel has not dropped out of school and is known in his community for helping the elderly carry water.
His determination to move forward by working honestly, at such a young age, touched many internet users.
"The boy wants to work. He is 15 years old, and his eagerness to make an honest living should not be stifled in a country where so many people choose the path of crime," Rodriguez emphasized.
"We'll see if we can get him a little help with something; it shouldn't be necessary, but harsh reality takes precedence," he added.
The story, which quickly went viral on social media, has been hailed as a small act of hope in the midst of the harsh reality faced by many children in Cuba.
"A country where children are condemned to abandonment and extreme survival. Children selling sweets at doorways. Children cleaning windshields on congested avenues. Children begging in Old Havana while tourists take photos," recalled activist Lara Crofs on Facebook.
"But today, at least one of them felt something different. Today, a boy stopped cleaning windshields to get on a bicycle. And perhaps, with the strength of many, another boy will achieve it tomorrow as well," he added.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Situation of Children in Cuba
Why does Yuniel clean windshields in Havana?
Yuniel cleans windshields in Havana to help his family and save for a bicycle. Despite the tough conditions, he has not dropped out of school and is known for his willingness to assist the elderly in his community. His story reflects the precarious economic situation faced by many minors in Cuba, forced to work from an early age.
Who helped Yuniel and what did they give him?
A couple of Cubans gifted Yuniel a new bicycle. In addition, he received a bag of candies, clothes, shoes, and 18,000 pesos donated by a user known as "Aunt Tetas." This act of kindness was shared on social media, generating a wave of support and hope for Yuniel.
How does Yuniel's story reflect the situation of children in Cuba?
The story of Yuniel is a reflection of the reality faced by many children in Cuba who confront extreme survival and neglect. In a country where minors are forced to work to survive, Yuniel's case highlights the lack of opportunities and the impact of the economic crisis on Cuban childhood.
What impact has Yuniel's story had on social media?
The story of Yuniel went viral on social networks, generating a wave of support and solidarity. Many internet users were moved by his situation and highlighted his determination to work honestly despite the adversities. This case has been a small act of hope amidst the harsh reality that children in Cuba face.
Filed under: