A Cuban mother, known on TikTok as "La cubanita," recently shared a heartbreaking video last Wednesday, capturing the exhaustion felt by countless families across the island. In just over a minute, she describes the dire state of hunger, poverty, lack of medical care, and a collapsing educational system.
"We claim to be a medical powerhouse, yet we lack doctors. We are surrounded by the sea, but there's not even fish to eat. Hunger is killing us, misery is killing us," the woman laments, her voice filled with emotion.
The video quickly became a stark indicator of the desperation felt by Cuban mothers in 2026, garnering more than 7,900 views, 907 likes, and 115 comments within hours.
A Crumbling Education System
One of the most striking aspects of her testimony is the criticism of the educational system.
"Cuba is supposedly free of illiteracy, yet classes end almost two months early without final exams, and children advance to the next grade without meeting objectives," she points out, answering her own rhetorical question: "Why? Because the country's conditions don't allow children to study properly."
Her statements align with verified events: the Cuban government ended the 2025-2026 school year approximately 15 days early due to an energy crisis, canceled entrance exams for higher education, and even President Miguel Díaz-Canel admitted the need to "reorient the curriculum design" due to fuel and electricity shortages.
Educational authorities in Havana had already suspended classes on March 5 due to the instability of the electrical system, in a nation where power outages can exceed 20 hours daily in some provinces.
Children Bearing the Brunt
"Children suffer collateral damage because they lack even the basics for their growth," the woman mourns. Her video adds to a series of viral testimonies from Cuban mothers turning to social media to voice their desperation.
UNICEF warned in November 2025 that one in ten Cuban children suffers from severe food poverty, consuming only two of the eight essential food groups.
"La cubanita" concludes her video with an unanswered question that echoes the frustrations of many: "Until when? Until when? What future? Tell me what future there is. I can't take it anymore."
Understanding Cuba's Current Challenges
What are the main issues highlighted in the video by "La cubanita"?
The video highlights severe hunger, poverty, lack of healthcare, and a failing educational system in Cuba.
How has the Cuban government responded to the educational crisis?
The government ended the school year early due to an energy crisis and canceled entrance exams, with President Díaz-Canel acknowledging the need to adjust the curriculum.
What impact has the crisis had on Cuban children according to UNICEF?
UNICEF reported that one in ten Cuban children suffers from severe food poverty, with limited access to essential nutrition.