A Cuban mother living abroad organized the distribution of backpacks for all the children in her son's classroom in Cuba and shared the moment in an emotional video posted on TikTok on the first day of the 2026-2027 school year, September 1.
The user @esperanzaleydi, known as "Chinita," recorded the reactions of the little ones upon receiving their backpacks and described the scene with words that resonated with thousands of Cubans: "Today my heart is bursting with joy."
"There are things that are normal for many children, but for some children in Cuba, they are a dream," she stated in the video. "I can't explain how happy it made me to see those little faces full of joy."
The author acknowledged the reality that drives such gestures: "In Cuba, the economic situation makes it very difficult for many families to obtain a backpack, school supplies, and everything necessary for their children to start the school year."
But beyond the donation, "Chinita" wanted the moment to carry a deeper significance for her own son: "I want him to learn from a young age that sharing doesn't make us have less; it makes us better people. I want him to never feel superior to anyone for having something that someone else doesn't have; to learn to be humble, grateful, and above all, to help when he has the opportunity to do so."
The video accumulated over 9,200 views, 1,115 «likes» and 175 comments, reflecting the emotional impact it had on the Cuban community on social media.
The current school year has been one of the hardest starts in recent years in Cuba. The beginning of the 2026-2027 school year was marked by blackouts that affected 70% of the country, a shortage of teachers, a lack of books, and issues with school meals.
This reality has driven a growing trend among Cubans abroad: Cuban mothers have asked for help on social media due to a lack of uniforms, while other compatriots from different countries purchase school supplies in discount stores and donate them directly to the island, showcasing the gesture on TikTok.
The Communist Party -the only one legally recognized in Cuba- described the start of the school year as “another act of heroism”, a phrase that contrasts with the image of children receiving a backpack as if it were the greatest gift in the world.
"Today they were backpacks, but for me, they were much more than that," concluded "Chinita" in her video. "They were smiles, hope, and a small message of optimism."
Filed under: