Before the launch of Stichting Amistad con Cuba, we took to the streets with a simple question: What do the Dutch actually know about Cuba?

No long conversations. No complicated discussions. Just short, honest reactions from people we met — straight from the heart.

And precisely therein lay the strength. Between image and reality

The answers we received were recognisable.
Cuba is often associated with sun, music, classic cars and colourful streets, but also with drugs and crime. For many people, it is also a land of atmosphere and holiday feeling.

And that is not entirely unfounded. Cuba *is* warm. Cuba is alive. Cuba dances.

But at the same time, we noticed something else.

Most people actually know very little about what daily life is truly like for the people who live there. About shortages. About uncertainty. About how creative and resilient people have to be to make ends meet every single day.

There's a world of difference between what we see... and what is.

No judgment, but awareness

What stood out during the interviews was that no one was indifferent.
On the contrary.

Once the conversation went a little deeper, interest arose. Curiosity. Sometimes even wonder.

And that's precisely where it begins.

Not with grand tales.
Not with political discussions.
But with awareness.

With the realisation that behind the image of palm trees and pastel colours, another reality also lies hidden.

The bridge we want to build

With this video, we don't want to tell a complete story.
That can't be done in a few minutes either.

What we *do* want is to build a bridge.

Between the Netherlands and Cuba.
Between image and reality.
Between thinking and feeling.

Because real change often starts small — with a question, a conversation, a moment of insight.

“That's how it started for me too.”

Perhaps that's the most important reason why this video gets so close.

“Because to be fair: that's how it started for me too,” said chairman Gerard van der Sluijs.

With an image.
With a feeling.
With a first meeting.

And somewhere along the way that changed into something else.
Involvement. In responsibility. In action.

Friendship changes lives

Stichting Amistad con Cuba emerged from that movement.
Not from a political perspective. Not from a theoretical one.

But out of humanity.

From the simple idea that we – despite distance, despite differences – can mean something to each other.

Ultimately, that's what it's all about.

Not what we think we know.
But what we are prepared to do.

Friendship changes lives

Would you like to contribute to our mission or learn more?
Join us or get in touch via our contact page.