Description

Solidarity Brigades are holidays with a difference. Aside from volunteering, you get to mix with people of different ages and backgrounds from all over the world, and learn about a fascinating country.

Members of the Brigade (Brigadistas) stay on the Julio Antonio Mella camp in the countryside, about 30 minutes from Havana.

Part of the Brigade involves undertaking voluntary work. Past Brigadistas have taken part in a range of projects, from picking fruit and clearing wood in agricultural areas to building schools and painting museums.

As well as voluntary work, your time in Cuba will contain cultural visits to some of Cuba's museums, educational visits to hospitals, schools and community projects, trips to the delightful Cuban beaches and lush Cuban countryside and a number of optional excursions. You will meet local Cuban people, community organisations, professionals from a range of areas (past programmes have included film-makers, professional sportspeople, political representatives, veterans of the Cuban Revolution, medical staff, education professionals and many more) and have the chance to learn a great deal about Cuba's unique history, current affairs and future hopes.

You will also have enough free time to sample some of the famous Cuban hospitality, with dancing, rum and cigars or visits to beaches and a stroll around Havanas old town (which is a UNESCO World heritage site).

Going on the Brigade is a practical way of showing solidarity with the Cuban people. It gives you an excellent opportunity to learn about the achievements of the Cuban Revolution as well as allowing an insight into the difficulties caused by the illegal US trade blockade.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Summer 2012 - GBP1,100; Winter 2012 - date and price TBC

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• International travel
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The cost includes return flights with Virgin Airlines from London Gatwick, UK departure tax, Cuban visa, transfer from Havana International Airport, accommodation, food, and most visits whilst at the camp.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Agriculture
• Community Development
• Culture
• Education

Typical Volunteer

Volunteers come from all ages and all walks of life with a common interest in Cuba and finding out more about it. The standard arrangements are for departure from London (UK). If you are not a UK resident you must arrange your own transport to the UK to join the flight, or arrange independent travel to Cuba in time to meet the group at Havana airport. Please check with your own country's regulations regarding travel to Cuba, and any requirements you may have to meet.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 30

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Cuba Solidarity Campaign's Mission Statement

The Cuba Solidarity Campaign is the British campaign for the defence of Cuba and its peoples' right to self-determination and national sovereignty. We organise twice-yearly Brigades to Cuba (summer and winter), which last for 2-3 weeks and allow participants to see Cuba away from the normal tourist tracks, meeting and working alongside Cuban people as well as experiencing a range of cultural and social events.