Although home to more than 11 million people, Cuban culture has been shrouded in mystery to most North Americans because of the prolonged economic and political strain between the United States and Cuba. The Cuba People-to-people 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, 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. In stark contrast to North America, its southern neighbor also offers almost no material consumer goods.
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 and no starving people. This is the Cuba of today.
