Care For Cuba

MEDICINAL PLANT GARDEN

With prescription drugs in short supply in Cuba, herbal remedies and other alternative treatments have become increasingly important, especially during and after the COVID crisis. A famous Cuban began this project to help teach the community which endemic flora and fauna can be used to treat ailments. Plant-based and alternative homeopathic treatments are the only way many locals have to address their health needs. While healthcare is ostensibly free, there are usually very long waits for care. This is because many Cuban doctors are hired out to neighboring countries in times of crisis, and visitors who pay are given priority access to care. Volunteers will be planting and harvesting these alongside Cuban people. LEARN MORE

COMMUNITY ARTS PROJECT

In an effort to beautify his neighborhood, a famed artist has been working on redecorating dozens of homes in a fishing town on the outskirts of Havana. He has created ornate and whimsical mosaic murals and domes that suit the personality of its residents, with a chess park, giant boards, and tables, and dozens of tiles signed and donated by artists. It is a cherished part of Cuban culture, in much the same sense as Gaudi was in Barcelona, Spain. Globe Aware volunteers are likely to be involved in either painting or continuing the mosaic. LEARN MORE

KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

While Cuba does offer free education and has good public policies to protect people who are differently abled, it is not well equipped to offer specialized care for those with special needs, whether Down syndrome or on the autism spectrum. The result is that these children end up usually being cared for exclusively by their mothers, keeping their mothers from having paid work, putting further strain on their family's abilities to eat or achieve economic stability. After these children conclude high school between the ages of 16 and 21, there is often no place for them to go. Volunteers may have the chance to work with these kids by doing songs, dances, and exercises for their minds and bodies, providing relief for their mothers, and may also bring donations, providing funds for meals, and more. LEARN MORE

MICRO-ENTERPRISE

With the economic downturn post covid high unemployment, and insufficient access to food, many are looking for new ways to make sellable merchandise with inexpensive materials, such as assembling brooms for cleaning and knitting clothing. Volunteers may deliver tools and materials to these artisans and help them with their craft.

One week-long program

No special skills required