The Economy of Communion (EoC) Network of Cuba continues its commitment alongside local entrepreneurs , both through technical and professional support, and through proximity and listening. Recent visits to Santiago, Havana and Cienfuegos have strengthened ties and created moments of sharing and dialogue, in which entrepreneurs have expressed their difficulties and strengthened their hopes for a better future.
Rediscovered values and new EdC initiatives
A particularly significant aspect highlighted by those who collaborate with the EdC Network is the contribution to the regeneration of fundamental values , often lost, but essential for the future of the country. Cuban society is marked by deep wounds, and in this context the work of EdC reveals itself as a seed of renewal for the entire Cuban community.
Solidarity popcorn
In addition to supporting established businesses, the Network also supports those who wish to undertake new income-generating activities. This is the case of “Pic Pac” , a young company that produces and sells popcorn.
Robert, one of the managers, says: “A good experience was hiring a young mother with hearing and speech disabilities , and therefore having difficulty finding work. The problem, of course, was understanding how to manage communication with customers.
It occurred to us that while we were waiting to buy an electronic board, we could make some manual cards. It was interesting to see how customers collaborate.”
And he adds: “We have two employees and we try to ‘infect’ them with our values : for example, there are days when we donate our popcorn to children and elderly people who cannot afford to buy them.”
Five young women make rosaries
In Cienfuegos, in the parish of Lajas, Father Marcelo has relaunched a small rosary production business previously run with the help of some elderly ladies, now no longer able to collaborate. 
After overcoming some difficulties, today five young women work there, who are able to support their university expenses in this way.
“ We help the parish, we pay the girls and we reinvest to continue producing, ” says Father Marcelo. “It is a great joy to see that, even if circumstances change, we can always help those in difficulty , especially in this moment of widespread poverty in Cuba.”