Aiding Venezuela: Helping those in need.

In 2024, the Wayúu Taya Foundation continued its commitment to improving the quality of life for underserved communities. Through programs addressing food security, healthcare, clean water, education, and cultural preservation, we reached 207,582 people, ensuring access to essential resources and opportunities for a better future. This report highlights our key accomplishments over the past year.

Food 

We continued the food program, which supported 90 communities and 49 schools. Every week, 6,906 people, including 5,534 children, receive nutritious meals. Fruits and vegetables were delivered consistently to Apuna Farm in Mara Municipality, Zulia State, with weekly shipments from the Colombia-Venezuela border. Forty-six shipments, each carrying 3.5 tons of produce, were distributed, benefiting 13,480 people, including 12,238 children.

Health 

Two batches of medicines and supplies were distributed. Thanks to these contributions, our health initiatives provided medical supplies to 55 institutions, benefiting 31,542 people.

Additionally, seven health campaigns offered essential medical check-ups and preventive care to 3,002 people. Hygiene initiatives reached 371 institutions, impacting 128,154 people through hygiene kit distributions and educational talks on water usage, oral health, and disease prevention.

Water for All 

Ensuring access to clean water remained a key focus of our efforts. The "Water for All" program delivered 1,678,000 liters of clean water, benefiting 30,300 people in the Mara region. This initiative helps to improve community health and sanitation standards.

Agriculture 

Our commitment to sustainable agriculture continued through the agroecology program at Mirabello Farm. Two harvests yielded 4,290 kilograms of grapes. A nursery was also established to produce grape grafts, enhancing the vineyard's productivity. This initiative supported 125 people, with a focus on empowering Indigenous women.

Education

Education remained at the heart of our mission. The Tepichi Talashi School supported 411 students across eight grade levels, ensuring access to meals and school supplies. Additionally, 257 Wayúu women participated in entrepreneurship, health, and family planning workshops, helping to equip them with skills to build sustainable livelihoods.

Music and Cultural Preservation

Cultural preservation remained a priority with the Intercultural Orchestra Program, which engaged 271 students in music education. Through lessons in orchestral training, choral singing, and ancestral music, students strengthened their artistic talents and cultural identity. The program culminated in four concerts, where participants showcased their musical growth.

The Nucleus Wayúu Taya Program provided Indigenous youth with structured music lessons thrice weekly. At the same time, the Music Heals Program offered beginner and advanced classes to 40 children. Instruction included the Venezuelan cuatro, guitar, electric bass, trumpet, keyboard, drums, and popular singing. Both initiatives ensured access to musical instruments, transportation, water, snacks, educational materials, and basic medical care.

Other Highlights

The construction of a new bathroom unit at Tepichi Talashi School was completed in September, providing 700 students and music program participants with improved sanitation facilities. This upgrade has significantly enhanced hygiene conditions, reducing illness and encouraging healthy practices.

Through these initiatives, the Wayúu Taya Foundation continues to make a tangible impact, providing essential resources and fostering sustainable change in the communities we serve. Thanks to the support from CORE Response, ACCESO, Direct Relief, Center for Disaster Philanthropy, the Giustra International Foundation, El Sistema, Music Heals International, and supporters like you, we have been able to continue this vital work and make a lasting difference in the communities we serve. 

Thank You!