Humanitarian Volunteer Projects in Cuba

Travel with Globe Aware on a Humanitarian Projects or Support for the Cuban People general license and explore this amazing culture at this critical time in history!

Although home to more than 11 million people, Cuban culture has been shrouded in mystery to most North Americans because of prolonged economic and political strain between the United States and Cuba. The Care for Cuba program pulls back the curtains on this Caribbean culture and gives volunteers a clear look at the beauties, struggles, and determination of the Cuban people. Cubanos are proud, educated, and often quite happy to share opinions. Isolated for years due to the “blockade” (as Cubans refer to the embargo the US imposed against the Communist state), their culture has been influenced by many cultures, none perhaps as heavily as Spain, Africa and the United States. Full of music, derelict buildings, joy and sorrow, the country offers few material pleasures but immense humanitarian rewards.

There has never been a more exciting time to take part in volunteer travel in Cuba! Imagine a culture where everyone is literate and has access to free medical care, no starving people. This is the Cuba of today. In stark contrast to North America, its southern neighbor also offers almost no material consumer goods. Experience this now, before long anticipated change comes with the passing of the Fidel Castro generation. Open music in streets everywhere, hardly any car traffic, smiles, most visitors are enchanted with a world unlike any they could imagine. The embargo has meant severely restricted commerce, and access to affordable food, but has also preserved and insulated a culture unique in the world.

Globe Aware’s mission is to promote cultural awareness and sustainability. Cuba itself, due to its low infant mortality, high life expectancy, access to education, medical care, and human resources, generally takes the view that they are not in need of volunteers. The official stance of the Cuban government is that their economic issues stem from the embargo, which they refer to as “the blockade.” Hence unlike most Globe Aware programs, while we engage in three work projects throughout the week, we focus more time than usual on the people-to-people cultural awareness part of our mission. You will get fantastic insight into how social issues are being addressed in terms of education, medical care and the like, and get a deep understanding of the real beauties and challenges of the Cuban culture.