MOnitoring the situation in Venezuela

We continue to monitor the situation in Venezuela, as two weeks after the earthquakes, the emergency persists. The death toll remains very high, and after this amount of time, the number of survivors found in the rubble is, unfortunately, minimal. Many families have been left homeless, both in the epicenter and in the surrounding areas where the strong tremors were felt.

The images are heartbreaking, and this is not a situation that will be resolved quickly, even though the Venezuelan people are pressing on with rebuilding their lives in the wake of the earthquakes.

That is why we want to continue keeping you informed and following up on the news coming out of Venezuela, so that we do not forget that—now more than ever, but also in the near future—Venezuelans need all the support we can provide. We are maintaining the following accounts for those who wish to make donations:

In Venezuela: Banco Plaza, account no. 0138-0036-75-0360032930 in the name of Fundación Itaka-Escolapios, RIF J-412207270

In Spain: Fiare Banca Ética: ES65 1550 0001 2700 2568 2329 in the name of Fundación Itaka-Escolapios

At Itaka-Escolapios Venezuela, we come together as a family in every location across the country. As a platform for shared mission, we have responded to the needs of so many families who have lost their homes, of homeless children, and of young people with shattered dreams. There are so many of them! However, we have not stood idly by: we have seen many open hands, outstretched arms, and feet on the move to help and serve, demonstrating that we are part of a country that fights on and moves forward.

Some students and their families have been forced to evacuate their homes and stay temporarily in shelters while authorities assess the stability and safety of the structures. Basic services such as water, gas, and internet are lacking, compounded by the anguish of reporting missing or deceased family members.

Faced with this reality, as part of Escuela Pía, a group of volunteers from the Calasanz Movement is at the central collection center of Cáritas Venezuela, assisting with the sorting, packing, and logistics of humanitarian aid. Amid the sadness, it is a joy to see so many people, regardless of background, united by a single, heartfelt mission.

They are organizing the daily preparation of lunches and dinners for both the volunteers and the disaster victims staying at a nearby shelter in the Catia area of Caracas. Recreational and educational activities are also being held for the children and adolescents who arrive, showing them that there is a tomorrow full of smiles and colors and providing a safe and peaceful space for them and their families.

We are in contact with all staff, students, and families, promoting a digital platform that offers emotional and psychological support during this time of crisis and loss, as well as guidance to help adults integrate into their new environments, providing them with tools for work and supporting them in recovering their identification documents.

In addition to all this, we are assisting with cleanup, debris removal, and infrastructure assessments.

Through these efforts, we want to demonstrate that Escuela Pía stands in solidarity—guided by Jesus and Calasanz—to accompany a Venezuela that is wounded but steadfast in its faith.