La Guaira earthquake triggers educational and psychosocial crisis for children

Following a devastating earthquake in La Guaira, Venezuela, that resulted in 6,300 deaths and over 73,000 injuries, non-profit organizations Goleadoras and Fútbol con Corazón have announced a psychosocial support program for affected children. Scheduled to begin in September, the initiative aims to create safe spaces to help children rebuild resilience and emotional stability through sports.

The earthquake has caused a severe educational crisis in the region. According to the Ministry of Education, 116 of the 316 schools in La Guaira have been affected, with 14 buildings completely collapsing. UNICEF reports that 432 schools in the Caracas metropolitan area were also impacted. In response to the destruction of formal infrastructure, local residents have established informal learning spaces, such as ‘Rincón de Luz’, to provide education and emotional connection for children who have lost their schools and, in some instances, family members.