Making an Impact

Our primary focus has been the historically significant yet often overlooked neighbourhood of Pogolotti, Havana. This vibrant community is a fierce preserver of Afro-Cuban cultural history. It has also been the cherished location for our festival’s closing parties, consistently rated as a favourite experience by our participants.

We previously raised funds to transform a neglected garden in Pogolotti into a beautiful tiled-floor community space. This new facility now serves as a vibrant venue for our festival’s concluding celebration and, importantly, a regularly used hub for the local community. It has blossomed into a small community centre, featuring a children’s play area and hosting various local events.

We have also been proud to support key cultural institutions. We provided funding for the Conjunto Folklórico Nacional de Cuba, helping to create two official T-shirts featuring the company’s logo for their dance training. We have also supported the national school of painting and art, providing students with the necessary supplies to continue their artistic development.

Continued Collaboration & Support

As our festival grows, so does our commitment to this vital collaboration. Each year, we invite our students to contribute essential supplies that are often unaffordable for low-income Cubans. These necessities include:

• Ibuprofen & Paracetamol
• Plasters
• Calpol (children’s pain relief)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Other vital necessities

We ensure these invaluable donations reach those who need them most, distributing items to schools, the families of our dedicated Cuban teachers, and Luanda’s family network. This partnership allows us to provide meaningful assistance to many Cubans annually. While travel restrictions sometimes limit what can be brought, every contribution, no matter how small, is deeply appreciated and makes a real difference. Participation is encouraged but entirely voluntary.