Twin earthquakes in Venezuela have devastated parts of the country, leaving thousands of children without homes or families. Many of these children are now living in temporary shelters, where they are receiving food, psychological support, and a safe space to play.
Rebuilding Lives
For 10-year-old Maria and her 13-year-old brother Damian, the earthquakes have changed everything. They lost their mother and their home in the coastal town of Caraballeda. Now, they are living with their aunt, Mercedes Osul, in a temporary shelter.
Osul is grieving the loss of her sister, but she is also trying to provide a sense of stability and comfort for her niece and nephew. The shelter has been a source of help, providing food, psychological support, and a safe space for the children to play.
Experts say that there is no single way to cope with a traumatic experience like this. That’s why many shelters have set up Child Friendly Spaces, where psychologists and social workers support children and teenagers through recreational and group activities, guided play, and counseling.
The goal is not to force children to talk about their experiences, but to provide a safe environment where they can begin to process their emotions and regain a sense of security. For Damian, that means playing soccer with other children who have also been affected by the earthquakes.
For Maria, it means seeking comfort in small things, like candy. These may seem like innocent, childlike ways to cope, but they are an important part of the healing process.
Aid Efforts
Aid groups, such as UNICEF and World Vision, are working to provide support to children and families affected by the earthquakes. They are setting up temporary shelters, providing food and water, and offering psychological support.
According to Manuel Rodríguez Pumarol, UNICEF representative in Venezuela, the goal is to ensure that children have access to safe spaces where they can play, learn, and receive support. This is especially important for children who have been separated from their parents or have lost their homes.
The Venezuelan government is also working to provide support, with the acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, announcing plans to set up temporary camps for children and families. These camps will provide a safe space for children to play, learn, and receive support, and will also offer opportunities for adults to receive training and support.
As the people of Venezuela work to rebuild their lives, it is clear that the road to recovery will be long and difficult. But with the support of aid groups and the government, there is hope that children like Maria and Damian will be able to heal and thrive.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
