The Escaramujo Project trains teenagers to tell their own stories through documentaries and magazines.
A recent episode of The Cuban Way highlights the Escaramujo Project, which utilizes journalism as a means for social change in Cuba, reports 24brussels.
Originating in 2010, the Escaramujo Project encourages young Cubans to document their life experiences through various media. Focused on fostering communication skills among teenagers, the initiative aims to empower them as storytellers, with specific attention to those from marginalized backgrounds.
TeleSUR’s coverage included an event at a community cultural center in El Cotorro, Havana, marking the launch of “Pionero,” a youth magazine produced entirely by teenagers involved in the Escaramujo Project. This initiative signifies a platform for young voices in the country, bridging the gap between education and practical journalistic experience.
The project began when Rodolfo Romero Reyes, now its leader, encountered teenagers in educational institutions with criminal backgrounds. His goal to document their stories shifted when educators challenged him to facilitate the teenagers telling their own narratives. This led him to establish workshops that equip participants with audiovisual tools, allowing them to create impactful content about their lives. Over the past 15 years, Escaramujo has expanded its influence, producing documentaries, TV series, and magazines across Cuba.
“They suggested making a documentary about their life stories. And it was very interesting how they told why they had ended up in those schools,” Rodolfo reflected. The initiative now emphasizes communication as a vehicle for social transformation.
The project’s name is inspired by a poem by Silvio Rodriguez, resonating with its core belief that knowledge should be accessible and that inquiry is paramount to community development. Facilitators, often young university students, guide workshops that emphasize storytelling as a means of self-expression.
Luis Ernesto Christy, a second-year journalism student who coordinated the latest Pionero edition, noted the mutual benefits of the project, stating, “Getting to know their stories made me realize that journalism is not vertical but should be horizontal.” He emphasized the importance of providing a platform for young voices to influence social narratives.
Central to the program is a commitment to shaping future generations who contribute positively to their communities. Rodolfo emphasized, “We must contribute to the training of those who come after us,” recognizing the critical role young people play amidst societal challenges.
In El Cotorro, the recent magazine launch sparked joy among students. Janice expressed excitement, saying, “It’s a huge pleasure to see my comic strip in one of the most famous magazines in the country.” Such initiatives foster a sense of pride and a voice for youth, as highlighted by Melanie, who noted that the project helps teenagers find their place in the world.
Escaramujo continues to be a connective thread, bringing together diverse youth generations to engage with communication reflectively and responsively. Luis Ernesto encapsulated this ethos: “Che Guevara said revolutionaries must be where the revolution needs them, and I believe the place where I can give my best effort is where I am right now.”
Escaramujo illustrates the potential of journalism as a catalyst for social awareness and change, as young Cubans gain the necessary skills and confidence to share their stories with the world.
