A Cuban woman named Yai Savon recently found and visited a young boy who had asked her for food on the street days earlier, resulting in an emotional reunion captured on video. During the encounter, the boy revealed his greatest fear: that his mother might be imprisoned.
The incident began on April 5 when Savon shared a video recounting how two children had knocked on her door, desperately seeking something to eat.
"Do you have an old piece of bread, do you have any bananas? Anything you can give us, we haven't eaten at all," were the words of the children, as reported by Savon. Her video quickly gained traction online, prompting an outpouring of support from her followers.
Encouraged by her audience to locate the children, Savon asked around the neighborhood until she found the boy's home. There, she was welcomed by his aunt and sister, and discovered the boy's name was Miguelito.
Revealing Miguelito's Fear
Upon arrival, Savon documented the dire living conditions in which Miguelito resides, leading to a heartfelt reunion. Initially frightened, Miguelito confided his biggest worry: "He doesn't want his mom to go to jail," Savon reported, trying to soothe him by saying, "Oh, sweetheart, don't worry, we're not going to let your mom get arrested. Okay?"
The boy also expressed a strong desire to learn: "I want to go to a special school. To learn something," Miguelito stated, prompting Savon to realize that he cannot read or write.
A Call for Help
Deeply moved, Savon assured Miguelito that everything would turn out fine and made a heartfelt plea to her followers: "We, together with you, can help in this mission."
A Humanitarian Crisis in Cuba
Miguelito's situation highlights a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented scale in Cuba. According to the Cuban Observatory for Human Rights, based on 1,344 interviews conducted across seventy municipalities, 89% of the population lives in extreme poverty, with seven out of ten Cubans skipping at least one meal daily.
In March 2026, the Food Monitor Program reported that 80% of Cubans believe the current situation is worse than the Special Period of the 1990s.
Children are one of the most affected groups: UNICEF reported in November 2025 that one in ten Cuban children suffers from severe food poverty, consuming only two of the eight essential food groups recommended.
Educational Challenges Amid Crisis
The educational system is also in distress. Cuba faces a shortage of thousands of teachers, dilapidated schools, and frequent power outages that disrupt classes, leaving children like Miguelito without access to education.
In February 2026, activists documented mothers with very young children living on the streets of Havana for the first time, with no state assistance. In 2024, the Cuban Parliament itself acknowledged the existence of 100,737 students in vulnerable conditions.
The government has consistently downplayed the severity of the crisis: In July 2025, former Labor Minister Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera controversially claimed there are no beggars in Cuba, referring to them as "wanderers" or "disguised," remarks that ultimately cost her position.
"Once again, this child brought me to tears. It's unbelievable, it's unbelievable what we're witnessing," Savon remarked as she concluded her video, questioning without receiving an answer, "Where is the president of this country? Where are the people responsible for the children?"
Understanding the Crisis in Cuba
What is the current humanitarian crisis in Cuba?
Cuba is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, with 89% of the population living in extreme poverty. Many Cubans are forced to skip meals daily, and essential services like education are heavily impacted.
How are children affected by the crisis in Cuba?
Children in Cuba are significantly affected, with one in ten suffering from severe food poverty. The educational system is failing due to a lack of resources, leaving many children without basic education.
What has the government done in response to the crisis?
The Cuban government has consistently minimized the crisis, with officials making controversial statements about the situation and denying the existence of widespread poverty and homelessness.