Helping children rebuild after Venezuela's earthquakes

On 24 June 2026, earthquakes struck Venezuela, upending daily life for thousands of families

13-year-old Carlos^* (pictured above) was at home when the ground began to shake. “I fell down, but I quickly got back up, grabbed onto a plant, and stayed there until everything calmed down,” he says.

Thousands of children like Carlos lost their homes in the earthquakes, and many schools were damaged or destroyed, leaving children without the structure and connection that education provides.

“I have not been attending classes because of what happened with the earthquake,” says nine-year-old Carmen^*. “Classes were suspended.”

A space to play, learn and reconnect

In the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, Save the Children through our local partner organisation established a Child Friendly Space in Carlos and Carmen’s community. The space was designed to give children a place to play, connect with friends, continue learning, and access mental health support.

Safe spaces like this one serve a practical purpose in the early phase of an emergency.

As well as providing stability and social connection, the space helps children continue their education, practice essential life skills, and process their emotions brought on by the disaster.

What Carlos and Carmen found there

For Carlos and Carmen, the space offered a return to their childhood. Carlos discovered that drawing was his favourite activity, and he spoke about the value of spending time with other children and the pleasure of play.

“I thought the activities were excellent," he says. “I also enjoy playing marbles because it is fun to play with friends. We have a good time together and enjoy the game.”

Drawing together is one way children are able to focus their minds on creativity and connection.

Carmen threw herself into the activities: “I enjoy playing, painting, doing crafts, and drawing. During recess, we run, have fun, play together, and are always together with our friends,” she says. “It was great, I liked it, and I had fun.”

Looking ahead

The support they’ve received from people like you has already helped both children develop clear pictures of their futures – and they want to help others: “When I grow up, I would like to be a nurse, a veterinarian, and a world explorer. I would like to do many things,” says Carmen.

“I would like to help people in need and make sure they have everything they need,” says Carlos. “I would also like to become a professional surfer when I grow up.” 

Both children expressed gratitude for the people who made the program possible. “Thank you for everything you have done for us,” Carlos says. And Carmen adds: “Thank you very much for organising such fun games, and for your creativity. I am grateful to all of you, and to the people who sent you, because you have helped not only me but also the other children.”

Child Friendly Spaces are a great way to bring joy back into the lives of children enduring crisis.

Help establish more Child Friendly Spaces

We are aiming to help 350,000 more people in Venezuela over the coming year, including 200,000 children, through mental health support, repairing damaged schools, learning resources, stocking health clinics with equipment and supplies, and setting up more Child Friendly Spaces. Through structured play, creative activities and peer connection, these spaces support children to process experiences of loss and displacement, regain a sense of routine, and build connections with their community.

Photos: Edwin Corona Ramos / Save the Children.

*Names changed to protect identities.