As an exceptional witness to the great diversity of cultures, visions and beliefs that have come together in the movement of solidarity with Cuba, Julio Antonio Mella International Camp treasures several stories speaking for themselves on how much is possible when hundreds of people come together to achieve a common cause.

In its 42 anniversary , this site, only one of its kind in the country, has welcomed more than 100,000 brigade members whose origin exceeds 80 nations. Sergio Corrieri, who chaired the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) for 18 years, was not mistaken when he said that "the camp is the face of Cuba to the world."

The camp ,located in Guayabal, in Caimito Towmship , has 82 employees dedicated to its mission. It yearly welcomes between 12 and 15 brigades (made up of 1 200-1 500 persons), as well as friendship groups from different countries.

"This has been the place where the ICAP’s most important solidarity projects have taken place in recent decades. It is the constant performing of the Commander in Chief’s vital idea when he wished that Julio Antonio Mella brigade never stop its function, said Kenia Serrano, ICAP’s current president.

"The camp was founded to serve another goal, but this goal has last 42 years .For us it is a source of pride; it shows that it has been necessary and international volunteers brigades are important."

"It is an important way to know Cuba , the fact that people around the world come to share with us what we have, our reality, even the things which are still challenges," Kenia added.
There is no other country like Cuba

At 5:45 am the "rooster crows" seven times, after La Guantanamera(Cuba’s emblematic song ) is played, then the brigade members start the day. The brigade is officially established, and different activities are scheduled. Later they take part in the Cuban night, the first activity, where brigade members have dinner outdoors.

At different times they receives lectures on different topics, go to productive work in the camp or elsewhere in the town, visiting historic sites and centers of economic or social interest and talk to youngsters, combatants and members of Committees for the Defense of the Revolution( CDR),and Cuban Women Federation(FMC) ...

They also meet important culture personalities. They attend the race of friendship in December and solidarity marches (the Torches March on January 27 and May 1st Parade).

The solidariry brigades visit a province for three days, and when they go to Havana city they have free time to go wherever they want . Taken into account the brigade composition , the final night is known as an international, South America ... with traditional food and costumes as well as traditional music.

"This is the house of Cuba’s friends . Here takes place a mixture of cultures and a fabulous magic. During 14 or 21 days we try to show them the Cuban reality. We schedule activities according to their interests, "said Raul Abreu, camp director, who has worked in the entity for 21 years.

"Coming to Cuba was like fulfilling a dream; to know the country my father has told me about . We wanted to do in brigade, as it is the best way to approach from within, "said Amapola Ureta, a young Chilean nurse, member of the XXII South American Brigade of Voluntary Work and Solidarity with Cuba.

"I did not want to know this nation staying in a hotel," said the Argentine Nicolas Tressens graduated in Political Science.

"The fraternity and solidarity of the Cuban people with the world's poor, and the human warmth in the camp, have motivated me to repeat my visit," says Jonas Araujo, Brazilian economist, who visits the camp for the third time.

This is the first trip to Cuba for Uruguayan Inés Cortés . I imagined that but I am already sure. "No other country is like Cuba ," said the girl. She and the other members have plenty stories quite different to the ones they read in the press: these are beautiful and true stories.

TRANSLATION BY LMMS