Earthquakes Displace Venezuelan Children Into Shelters With Play and Counseling Support

Powerful twin earthquakes struck Venezuela last month, destroying homes in the coastal town of Caraballeda and displacing thousands of children. Ten-year-old Maria and her brother Damian, 13, lost their mother and now live with their aunt Mercedes Osul in a temporary shelter. Damian spends much of his day on an improvised soccer field with other children in the shelter.

Maria seeks comfort in candy, their aunt said. Several shelters have set up Child Friendly Spaces where psychologists and social workers lead recreational activities, guided play and counseling. Manuel Rodríguez Pumarol, UNICEF representative in Venezuela, said through play and group dynamics children can begin to express themselves and release stress and trauma.

World Vision operates eight to 10 movable Child Friendly Spaces across Caracas and La Guaira, according to its Emergency Response Manager Andrea Lasso. Lasso said children need space where they can feel safe, be protected, play and interact with other children. UNICEF estimates that about 650,000 people may require assistance after the earthquakes, including around 234,000 children.

Last week acting president Delcy Rodriguez said the Simon Bolivar Orchestra is teaching children to play musical instruments, toys are being distributed and the Venezuelan Football Federation has set up soccer fields. Rodríguez Pumarol said many children stay up playing until late at night out of fear that something might happen while they sleep.

Family law specialist Jeslia Vergara said the priority of the Venezuelan protection system is to find other relatives who can take care of children whose parents are missing.