Be more than just a tourist - experience the real Cuba!
Solidarity Brigades are holidays with a difference, as well as volunteering you get to mix with people of different ages and backgrounds from all over the world, and learn about a fascinating country.
The Brigade is arranged in conjunction with the Cuban friendship organisation ICAP (Instituto Cubano de Amistad con los Pueblos) and consists of groups from the solidarity organisations of several European countries. Members of the Brigade (Brigadistas) stay on the Julio Antonio Mella camp in the countryside, about 25 miles south west of Havana.
The Brigade involves undertaking voluntary work. Past Brigadistas have taken part in a range of projects, from picking fruit and clearing wood in agricultural areas to construction work involving building schools and painting museums. As well as your voluntary work your time in Cuba will contain cultural visits to some of Cuba’s museums, educational visits to hospitals, schools and community projects, trips to the delightful Cuban beaches and lush Cuban countryside and a number of optional excursions. Plus enough free time to sample some famous Cuban hospitality, with salsa, rum and cigars or stroll around Havana’s old town which is a UNESCO World heritage site.
Going on the Brigade is a practical way of showing solidarity with the Cuban people. It gives you an excellent opportunity to learn about the achievements of the Cuban Revolution as well as allowing an insight into the difficulties caused by the illegal US trade blockade.
SUMMER 2009 05 - 20 July 09 The cost of the Brigade is approx. £945. This price includes return flights with Virgin Airlines from London Gatwick, UK departure tax, Cuban visa, transfer from Havana International Airport, accommodation, food, and most visits whilst at the camp.
WINTER 2009 Dates and prices to be confirmed Price will include return flights with Virgin Airlines from London Gatwick, UK departure tax, Cuban visa, transfer from Havana International Airport, accommodation, food, and most visits whilst at the camp.
WHAT TO DO NEXT To find out more visit the Brigade section of the CSC website. If you wish to apply you can also find an application form and booking form in this section which need to be downloaded and filled in, making clear any special requests. Then return both forms to CSC, enclosing two passport size photographs, completed CSC membership and £100 deposit.
Before leaving for Cuba, you must attend a Preparation Day at the CSC office in London. This is an important part of the application process, the day consists of background on Cuban history and contemporary Cuba, day to day life on the Brigade, individual and group responsibilities and tips on fundraising. You will also get to meet new and past Brigadistas, an invitation will be sent to applicants to confirm the date which is normally on a Saturday, 4-6 weeks before departure.
Please note that in order to keep flight costs as low as possible we have booked group flights with Virgin. This means that flight dates are fixed and cannot be altered. However, if anyone would like to extend their stay in Cuba after the Brigade then please contact us to enquire about the cost of booking a flight with an extended return date. Extended return dates would be subject to availability and cost at the time of booking. If you stay longer than a month you will have to renew your visa at a cost of £15.
Travel insurance is not included, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate insurance cover and that you have spending money to cover any extra travel, drinks and snacks. There is also a Cuban departure tax of CUC25.00 (Cuban Convertible Peso) this is paid in cash when leaving Cuba.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.