Volunteering in Cuba: A Journey of Service and Connection
With anticipation and excitement, Global Volunteers’ 113th volunteer team in Cuba embarked on an adventure in service. The team comprising eight dedicated volunteers, arrived in Havana ready to make a difference and served for two weeks. With its vibrant culture and rich history, Cuba welcomed the team with open arms and captivated the volunteers with its colorful streets and warm hospitality. Read on to learn how this team of dedicated volunteers left a lasting impact on the community of Havana, Cuba, through their acts of service and compassion.
The two weeks of volunteering in Cuba were filled with meaningful engagements with the local community. Collaborating closely with community partners and the local people, the volunteers dove into various projects aimed at making a positive impact. With open minds and willing spirits, the volunteers delved into three community work projects; during the mornings, the volunteers split into two groups, some worked alongside local women sewing and knitting, while others supported older adults at the senior center, and during the evenings all the team engaged local people in Conversational English in the afternoons.
Working Alongside Women at the Presbyterian Church’s Sewing Circle
Within the welcoming walls of the Presbyterian Church, a vibrant hub of creativity and community spirit thrives. Here, amidst the gentle hum of the sewing machine and the rhythmic click of knitting needles, volunteers and local women joined forces in a sewing/knitting/art circle that transcended mere crafting—a celebration of culture and connection. The sewing circle is more than just a place of creativity—it is a lifeline for many women, allowing them to earn a living and support their families.
Volunteers and the women of the sewing circle embarked on artistic endeavors, transforming humble fabrics into works of art. The volunteers also worked on an art piece that would adorn the children’s Sunday church walls. Amidst the flurry of fabric and thread, the women also brought to life fabric yoyos—tiny circles of stitched magic that held infinite possibilities. From whimsical dolls to cheerful clowns, these small wonders sparked laughter and joy in equal measure.
Beyond the artistry, the sewing circle became a space for cultural exchange and mutual learning. Conversations flowed freely, allowing volunteers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Cuban culture, history, and daily life. In her reflections, Dale Grossman, a volunteer who worked alongside the women at the sewing circle, said, “This country is full of extremes; there is so much incredible joy but also a deep well of unspoken sadness. A great sense of hope but also resignation. However, an abundance of drive and dreams is a severe lack of opportunity to achieve them. If the welcoming, encouraging, responsive, and extraordinary Cuban people can express so much love and joy living within these extreme juxtapositions, it is a profound lesson to learn from them. And I’m so grateful for it.” Betsy Lewenberg also shared, “I was able to connect with others and made some special relationships with people very different than me.”
Amidst the creative buzz, there was time for relaxation and rejuvenation. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning, the volunteers joined the women for invigorating yoga sessions, a moment of tranquility amidst the bustling city. Some volunteers even took on leadership roles, guiding their newfound friends in yoga and forging deeper bonds of friendship and trust. While also another woman, a dance teacher by profession, also shared the rhythm of salsa, teaching the volunteers the basic steps and igniting a passion for movement and music.
Assisting the Elderly at the Senior Center
Amidst the Miramar neighborhood of Havana, a senior center stands as a beacon of hope and companionship for the elderly residents of the community. Nestled just a short stroll away from the ocean, this center, funded by the Catholic Church and is operated by devoted nuns, provided a haven for around 30 elder women and one gentleman, the cherished husband of one of the residents. The volunteers eagerly immersed themselves in a variety of activities each morning. From heartfelt conversations that bridged generations to hands-on arts and crafts sessions, the volunteers brought warmth and creativity to the center.
Teresa Patterson was impressed by Vivian, one of the residents at the senior center, who shared with her that she does the everyday chores at the center, like washing dishes or setting up the table for lunch. Even though no one expects her to do it, Vivian feels she must do it to feel useful. “I was so impressed with her wisdom and attitude about being at the senior center,” said Teresa.
Under the gentle guidance of the volunteers, the senior women embarked on artistic adventures, crafting beautiful bookmarks, ornaments, decorations, greeting cards, and even mastering the art of origami. Their enthusiasm knew no bounds as they worked with their hands, infusing each creation with a piece of their own unique story. The volunteers also lent a helping hand with everyday tasks, assisting with cleaning rice and accompanying some residents on leisurely walks around the neighborhood and the ocean. Patience, adaptability, and a spirit of companionship were the guiding principles in every interaction. As smiles graced the faces of both volunteers and residents alike, it became clear that this work project was not merely about completing tasks but about fostering genuine connections and enriching lives.
Engaging Local People in Conversational English
With English as the universal language of commerce, technology, and opportunity, the significance of engaging local people in English conversation reverberates far beyond the classroom walls. For many Cubans, proficiency in English represented not just a skill but a gateway to a world of possibilities, from enhanced job opportunities to deeper connections with the global community.
For the team of volunteers, each evening spent conversing with students was a testament to the power of human connection and the shared pursuit of knowledge. From beginners eagerly mastering their first phrases to proficient speakers honing their conversational skills, every interaction was an exchange of culture, ideas, and dreams.
Amidst the laughter and occasional stumble over words, bonds that transcended language barriers and cultural divides were forged. Volunteers found themselves teachers and students, learning as much from their students as they imparted. Tess Doering shared her impression of the Cuban people in the team journal: “The Cuban people are special. What they must endure is mind-boggling, yet the people I have met are kind, open, and wonderful.”
Supporting the Cuban People
US law strictly prohibits Americans from engaging in tourist activities in Cuba. However, there are numerous legal activities and sights for Americans to explore that also offer opportunities to support the Cuban people. Between the morning and evening work project, the team participated in many such activities, and the volunteers had the chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Cuban culture. The team members delved into the storied past of Old Havana and visited privately owned shops and restaurants. They also explored the literary legacy of Ernest Hemingway with a guided tour of his estate. Furthermore, they witnessed the vibrant creativity of Cuban artistry at Fusterlandia, a mosaic wonderland just minutes from Havana’s city center, where recycled art takes on new life in breathtaking displays of color and imagination. They also visited the historic Morro Castle, a formidable fortress that has stood sentinel over Havana Bay for centuries, and participated in other activities supporting the Cuban people.
Volunteer in Cuba
Whether you find yourself immersed in the vibrant energy of the sewing circle, engaging in heartfelt conversations with seniors at the local center, or igniting a passion for language and connection through conversational English sessions, your impact will resonate far beyond the shores of Cuba. Join us in Havana and be a part of something extraordinary—where every stitch, every word, and every moment of connection makes a difference.
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