The Cuban content creator Tuny López and the studio Markg Photography gifted a complete photo session to two teenagers residing at the child welfare home in Vista Alegre, in Santiago de Cuba.
The young people turn 15 and do not have a biological family to accompany them on this significant date, but they did have the support of their educators and a group of Cuban entrepreneurs.
The birthday celebrants are called Claudia and Junior, and they live in a state-run home along with other minors in a situation of high social vulnerability. Their caregivers, Gheannis and Gledis, are the ones who raise them and give them love every day, even though they are not their biological mothers.
"Today was a special day; we held a photo session for these two beautiful children from the house without family support located in Vista Alegre," Tuny López narrated in a video posted on April 20 on Instagram, where he described how he organized the day since early morning, including a surprise cake that the kids did not expect.
The head of the studio Margie Photographer decided to go beyond the photo session and gifted the complete package. "Our boss is going to gift him the large print, the photobook, the full package because these beautiful children deserve to have joy on such important dates like their 15th birthday," the influencer explained.
Tuny López described Claudia and Junior as "true warriors" and emphasized the tireless work of their caregivers. "Gheannis and Gledis are the ones who teach them, take care of them, and give a lot of love to them and their other siblings at home," he pointed out.
At the end of the video, the Cuban content creator made a public appeal to her followers to gather support for the 15th birthday party, scheduled for three days after the post.
"The party for these children will take place in three days, so any help you can provide is appreciated. If any business wants to participate in the celebration with a gift or anything else, it would be greatly appreciated," he said.
The message to the young people was direct and heartfelt: "My children, if you see this video, we want to tell you on behalf of Markg Photography and myself, that we are proud of you and know that you will achieve great things in this life."
This initiative adds to a growing trend of solidarity that has gained momentum in Cuba in recent years. In January 2023, Cuban entrepreneurs fulfilled the dream of a girl without parental care with a grand 15th birthday celebration in Camajuaní, Villa Clara, organized by Taxis Cuba and several donors.
The family unprotected home of Vista Alegre, located in Santiago de Cuba, has the capacity to accommodate 18 children and serves minors whose relatives suffer from psychiatric disorders, incarcerated parents, or other situations of high vulnerability. Its staff works around the clock to ensure continuous care for the residents.
At the national level, it is estimated that around 2,500 children and adolescents live in homes without parental care in Cuba, where the State only guarantees basic needs, and access to celebrations such as quinceañeras depends almost exclusively on external solidarity.
"We took the first step, but I know there are people out there with big hearts who can help them," concluded Tuny López.
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