THE SITUATION
How would you know freedom if you’ve never experienced it?
For the younger generations of Cuba, living under an authoritarian system is all they’ve known, without exposure to the basic ideas of life, liberty, and the free pursuit of happiness. From an early age, children are indoctrinated in government-run schools with the basic tenets of communism. Parents who attempt to teach their children contrary economic or political systems face the threat of prison. To dream of greater things for oneself, for loved ones, for a community, and for a country is inherent in all of us. Cubans just need the chance to identify and engage with creating a better tomorrow!
THE SOLUTION
In order to engage Cubans in freely thinking about how to improve their current situation, the Contests program presents opportunities for Cubans to consider and provide feedback to FHRC on their perspectives regarding critical societal and political issues. At least four times a year, polling questionnaires–embedded as literary contests–are made available for any citizen to respond to. Winners receive a first prize of $300, almost a year’s salary for the average Cuban!
Some past questions from the Contests program include:
- -What are some of the main problems in your neighborhood, and how would you solve them?
- -How would Jose Martí feel about the current state of Cuba?
- -How to contain and reverse the growing rate of poverty in Cuba?
- -How could talent, creativity, innovation, and initiative be released to generate wealth and prosperity for all in Cuba?
- -What measures should the Cuban government take to free the private sector from restrictions so it can reach its full potential?
THE IMPACT
The Contests program has helped challenge conventional Communist-induced ideas about government and individual opportunity, all while gaining the opportunity to earn extra money and become further involved in activist efforts across the country.
$10K
USD in rewards
2,800
Participants
Students, farmers, entrepreneurs, economists, taxi-drivers, artists, waiters, the unemployed, and practically all sectors of Cuban society have participated and expressed their ideas in the Contests program on how to make Cuba better.
“With everyone and for the good of all.”
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Thanks to FHR Cuba’s supporters, the Contests program continues to instill dreams of a brighter tomorrow for every man, woman and child. With your support, we hope to expand this Entrepreneurship program to reach many more on the island and provide trainings/financial support to be independent from the government.