Their Hope Can Make a Difference

By Anna Tripp

Later that day, we all walked to the beautiful Malecón. The two guys from the Cancer Kids group were on their own talking and taking photos of the stunning blue water. I approached them in hopes of getting the teenage perspective of living in Cuba. Nelson, who is 17 and Yordanis who is 19, were very friendly. On Verv.tv I learned about El Paquet Semanal (Episode 4) but had not heard anyone mention it since we landed. So, I asked Nelson and Yordanis where they watch movies and shows. They responded, “El Paquete!” When I learned about El Paquete I felt it was a hassel to get every week. Therefore, I asked them if the paquete was worth the time spent illegally downloading the movies and risk of getting caught. Nelson immediately said yes because the movies are their only true escape from the Cuban reality. Yordanis agreed. To me, the portraits of Nelson and Yordanis represent the youth’s hope for a free Cuba.

Yordanis, 19.

Nelson, 17.