A video posted on Instagram by Cuban stylist Dorian Carbonell, known as Donde Dorian, has sparked thousands of reactions due to the testimony of an 18-year-old young man who goes door to door offering to take out the trash bags to financially support his family.
In the images, the young man naturally introduces himself: "Well, sir, it's me, the boy with the garbage." He explains that he is 18 years old and that he walks around the block offering to take away household waste "so I don't have to beg for money on the street." That short and direct phrase was the one that moved most those who have seen the video.
After opening the door and asking for permission to record him, Dorian comments: "this young boy comes by here every day collecting the neighborhood's trash, without asking for money, and he's working hard, I like that, it catches my attention."
The young man identifies himself as Mauri Pérez Izaguirre. He completed a technical degree in Food Production and reached the 12th grade. He lives with his retired grandmother, and each day he goes out to earn income to support the household. When asked how much he manages to gather, he replies: "1200, 1400, 2,000 pesos, depending, up to 2,500".
In the current economic context of Cuba, where many families rely on insufficient pensions and low state salaries, this amount can represent a tangible relief for a household with only one retirement income. However, what stood out most to users on social media was not the figure itself, but their decision to work rather than asking for help.
Among the comments, several people claimed to know him and acknowledged his manners and effort: "He comes here every night to pick up the trash from the house, very polite and respectful, always concerned about the well-being of his grandmother. Good things will happen to him because he deserves it," wrote one user. Another message noted: "He passes by my house every day, and we encourage him to keep fighting hard and honestly."
“Forgive me, God, for complaining”, expressed a user. “There are still honest young people, fighters, and those who sacrifice”, commented another. They also left messages like: “A good man does not seek pity, he seeks work, has faith, and willpower” and “These are the children who break the soul fighting for their family, they don’t steal or assault, blessings for him”.
Many asked for support and opportunities to improve themselves. "How can we help the boy?" and "Put me in touch with that boy, brother, please." were common messages among the over a thousand comments that the post has received.
Dorian Carbonell is well-known in Cuba for his work in men's hairdressing and barbering, catering to figures from the artistic world such as El Micha and Divan. From the beginning, he focused on a salon dedicated exclusively to men, offering image design proposals that incorporate hair coloring, treatments, and personalized cuts.
In this instance, beyond the image and the styling, its publication highlighted a everyday reality: young people who, amidst precariousness, seek dignified ways to support their families. Among the comments, one idea resonated strongly: "Work dignifies".
Filed under: