Ernesto “Che” Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade

Visit Cuba

Join the 31st Che Guevara Brigade to support the Cuban people in their fight against U.S. imperialism. Be part of our solidarity movement!

April 27 - May 10, 2025

Registration Open

About The Brigade

The Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara Volunteer Work Brigade, first launched in 1993, brings hundreds of individuals from Canada and beyond to Cuba to learn about the country, work alongside its people, and witness the impacts of the U.S. blockade. Organized in collaboration with the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the Brigade offers participants a firsthand look at the achievements and challenges of the Cuban Revolution. Despite media portrayals of Cuba as a failing state, the Brigade highlights the resilience of the Cuban people, who have thrived despite the 66-year blockade, achieving remarkable advancements in education, healthcare, and global humanitarian efforts, such as sending more doctors abroad than any other nation.

The Brigade serves two key purposes: demonstrating Canadian support for Cuba’s struggle to maintain its independence and providing Canadians with an opportunity to understand the dynamic realities of Cuban life. Brigadistas, as participants are called, are warmly welcomed by Cubans, who see their presence as a reaffirmation of the global importance of their revolutionary social changes. The experience fosters mutual understanding and solidarity, emphasizing Cuba’s commitment to its revolutionary ideals and its impact on the world.

The Brigade encourages anyone interested in learning about Cuba and showing solidarity to join, regardless of prior involvement in Cuba solidarity work. Participants often return inspired to support Cuba through local initiatives.

The Brigade is a project of the Canadian Network on Cuba, dedicated to building bridges of friendship and solidarity between Canada and Cuba.

Program

The Brigade offers a diverse range of activities designed to immerse participants in Cuban culture, history, and daily life, while building connections and solidarity

Checkout out the past programs

Learn

We’ll visit schools, hospitals, neighborhoods, sports centers, science labs, and more to learn firsthand from workers and community members about their challenges and successes. Each year, we join international Brigade delegations, trade unions, and solidarity organizations at a conference in Havana, featuring themed discussions, breakout sessions, and panels with notable organizers, government officials, and activists, all centered on fostering international solidarity.

Explore

The Brigade travels across Cuba’s provinces to explore its stunning landscapes and rich history through guided city tours, visits to historical sites, and iconic landmarks like Revolution Square, offering a deeper understanding of the island’s culture and character.

Volunteer

Each year, the Brigade engages in diverse volunteer projects to support Cuba’s economy, from clearing hurricane-damaged parks and tending community gardens to assembling toner cartridges and solar panels in electronics factories.

Celebrate

On May 1st we’ll join thousands of workers from Cuba and around the world for the celebration of International Workers Day in Havana. This is an incredible experience where we will be surrounded by the spirit of international solidarity and share in the joy of our collective strength. During International Night we’ll celebrate in our diverse cultures with the many Brigade delegations from far and wide.

Checkout out the past programs

Costs and Registration

The cost typically ranges $1500-1700, covering accommodations, meals, and all activities, with the final price depending on program details and group size. Cuban health insurance, if required, is an additional $50. Flights are booked separately.

Payments can be made via eTransfer to CheVolBrigade@gmail.com, with the option to pay in installments. A $300 deposit is due by March 15 to secure your spot.

Registration for the Brigade is open until April 1. By signing up, you'll be added to our mailing list for updates and announcements from the Brigade coordinator. If you're interested but prefer to provide additional details later, feel free to enter “N/A” for any fields beyond your contact information.

Our Experience in Cuba

The 30th Che Guevara brigade has had an impact on me that was both immediate and lasting. Cuba stays in my heart and in my mind months after my time on the island. As a student, it is one thing to comb through books or papers about socioeconomics, but it's another to experience an alternative to the society we exist in within the global north. Both the Canadian coordinators of the brigade and our generous guides in Cuba made sure we had an experience that was as comfortable and educational as possible. Between cultural centres, schools, the mayday rally, and meaningful lectures given by Cuban officials, the two weeks of the 30th brigade was packed with so much quality content that it would take writing an essay to explain the experience.

I look back to those weeks in Cuba when I need inspiration and resolve to carry me through the drudgery of continuously advocating for a better future in Canada. Cuba has done so much with so little, not only for their own people, but for people around the world. Ultimately, everyone the brigadistas met in Cuba welcomed us with open arms, eager to share stories, skills, and laughter. To learn from Cubans and to witness Cuban socialism is a singular experience that cannot be replicated through independent tourism. I'm so grateful to the Canadian Network on Cuba for coordinating this experience. Viva Cuba!

Alexandra
2024 Brigade
Things we were amazed about in Cuba: The Cubans are very hospitable people. They took care of us. People, no matter what their status, skin color, and jobs, are all integrated into the society equally. Even though there's been 60 years of blockades, the people are still, in general, living with joy. There is a culture rich in music and dance.

A closer look at life in Cuba gave us an idea of what it is like to live there. I have always dreamed of seeing Cuba and imagined what it would be like and my dream came true. Seeing Cuba in person was an unforgettable experience and will live with me forever.

Tharma
2024 Brigade
The Che Brigade was one of the most eye opening experiences of my life. There is a marked difference in theoretically talking about socialism and seeing an actual socialist project with your own eyes. Everywhere I looked I saw a society that truly put people before profits, and gave dignity to the downtrodden. I visited multiple schools that made me wish my own family had the opportunities Cuban children have. From Viñales to Veradero I saw smiling faces, happy and resilient people who are proud of what they have achieved, despite the murderous blockade. Kilometers away from the belly of the beast, heroic Cuba is a shining beacon of what could be for the toiling masses. Cuba is not perfect, but after what I saw on the Brigade I will defend their revolution from afar for the rest of my life. Hasta la Victoria Siempre.

Jared
2024 Brigade
The Che Guevara Brigade was a life changing experience for me. The Brigade was a great way to learn about the triumphs of the Cuban Revolution, and experience the beautiful culture of Cuba. The people of Cuba are the most welcoming I've ever met, and make you feel at home. Celebrating May Day in Havana was a wonderful experience. The Brigade offers an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded individuals from brigidistas to the representatives from ICAP and Amistur. The Brigade gave me the opportunity to befriend people from all over Canada and Cuba. Getting the chance to see healthcare and education systems that truly put the people first . The perseverance and ingenuity of the Cuban people as they fight against the illegal blockade of their beautiful nation is beyond inspiring. The Brigade gave me the chance to see through the American propaganda disparaging Cuba, and learn of the material reality of the Cuban people. It was an amazing opportunity to do a small part in aiding the fight against imperialism, from bringing donations to volunteer work. Cuba will always have a special place in my heart, it is truly my happy place. ¡Viva la Revolucion!

Bobby
2023 & 2024 Brigade
I've been on 2 brigades now and both were deeply meaningful experiences. The activities and sites we were able to see deepened my understanding of Cuban history, from the caves Che Guevara and his comrades used as a base during the Cuban Missile Crisis, to the incredible Fidel Castro Centre in Havana. My favourite visits on both trips were ones which highlighted the pride of the Cuban system—the education and healthcare systems. We were able to see what a systemic commitment to justice and equity looks like, in schools from elementary to post secondary, in art centres and educational facilities for people with disabilities, in youth spaces, in the home for children without family support. And of course across Cuba, we were welcomed into dances and chats through broken spanish and english, with food and laughter. Cuba currently faces the worst economic crisis since the special period due to the aftereffects of Covid along with the ever-stringent, looming presence of the blockade. Across Cuba we heard testimony to the cruelty of the American state's measures, and how it hurts Cuban children and families. However the spirit of the people, and of the revolution is resilient, and that is what has stayed with me the most since.

Keyda
2023 & 2024 Brigade
My first Che Guevara Brigade was in 2005, while I had heard about the gains of the Cuban revolution and the challenges Cuba faced under decades of unjust U.S. blockade, nothing could have prepared me for the warmth and dynamic spirit of the Cuban people and institutions. Visiting urban organic gardens, schools, universities, cultural centres, historical sites, and so much more opened my eyes to the creativity and ingenuity that is possible when humanity comes first. While I have now travelled to Cuba over a dozen times, visiting with a volunteer work brigade is a unique experience each time. I love learning new details and intricacies about Cuba through the eyes of those who are on their first trip or from working alongside Cuban workers in the fields, construction sites, or paper factory – wherever our voluntary support is needed.

Tamara
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2015 Brigade

Indigenous Sholarship

Each year the CNC offers one or two scholarships to peoples identifying as First Nations, Metis, or Inuit to help assist in the financial burden of attending the Che Brigade. Scholarships are determined based on expressed need and circumstances.

If you would like to make a donation to the CNC's Indigenous Scholarship fund, you can e-transfer your donation to donate@canadiannetworkoncuba.ca. Please include “Indigenous Scholarship” in the subject line.

Apply

Resources

Guides to help you on your trip or once you get back.

Cultural Guide

Coming Soon

Pre-brigade Guides

Everything you need to know before your trip

Post-Brigade Resources

Coming Soon

Have any questions?
Get in touch!

Brigade Coordinator

Tess Stuber

437 226 7219

chevolbrigade@gmail.com

/CheVolBrigade

FAQ

Can I attend only half the Brigade?

Yes. Depending on the dates you may encounter additional fees for transportation. Please reach out to the Brigade coordinator if you must travel outside of the Brigade dates.

Will there be free time?

Yes, free time is planned into the Brigade but it is not extensive as our program is packed with activities. We will make sure you have a bit of free time to explore Old Havana. For safety and liability reasons, you must remain with the Brigade group throughout the trip. Day trips elsewhere are not permitted.

Can I bring young children?

You are welcome to bring your family with you but please understand that the Brigade program is developed for adults. Our days are long and busy and there is a lot of walking throughout the trip. Some activities are also more academic or education focused in a way that is not tailored to children. Young children may become bored and restless with no opportunity to return to our accommodations. Please reach out if you intend to bring any young children on the Brigade.

Is the Brigade accessible to people with physical disabilities?

We do our best to ensure the Brigade is accessible to as many people as possible but there are some limitations beyond our control. We pack a lot into the day and we do a fair bit of walking during some activities. Our bus will have a big step to get in and out and we cannot guarantee elevator access at all places we stay and visit. We will try to be as flexible as possible so folks don’t have to miss out on activities but please connect with the Brigade coordinator directly if you have any concerns.

Will I have cell service and connection to the internet

If you want to have cell service while in Cuba we recommend connecting with your phone provider about international roaming plans. Access to wifi and Cuban SIM cards is limited. You may be able to purchase a Cuban SIM card at the airport when you arrive but we make no guarantees. You may be able to purchase time cards for wifi access at CIJAM and at our hotels. If connectivity is important to you we strongly recommend talking to your phone provider about roaming services in Cuba.

How will the power situation impact the trip?

Power outages have become increasingly more common in Cuba as it is difficult for them to import oil and gas, and most of their major generators were built in the 1990s due to the fact that generators today are made with a significant portion of U.S. materials making them unavailable to Cuba. Throughout the trip we are likely to experience this in a multitude of ways such as temporary black outs in our accommodations, low power availability for charging devices, and long trips for our bus driver in pursuit of gas for our bus. We do not recommend bringing hot tools or laptops.