What we do

Venezuela continues to face a complex context affecting millions of people, where needs are deeply interconnected. Challenges such as food insecurity contribute to school dropouts, migration, and other protection risks, leaving critical gaps across sectors.

As Save the Children, working alongside local partners, we contribute added value through a multisectoral and locally driven response that addresses these interconnected needs in a comprehensive manner.

Despite the operational challenges present in the country, Save the Children remains committed to delivering high-quality and adaptable support across the four states where we operate with partners.

Venezuela's Map

Presented below is the official map of Venezuela, with the states where operations are conducted within the country clearly marked.

Through strong strategic planning, continuous coordination with partners and key stakeholders, and the sustained dedication of our teams, it has been possible to implement integrated, multisectoral programming that responds effectively to evolving needs.

Right now we are:

Luis*, 13, fills bottles at the common well near their house in Caracas, Venezuela

Luis* and Samuel* live with their mother, Emily*, in Caracas, Venezuela. They have five older siblings who have left home, including a sister who lives upstairs in the same building. Despite a tight-knit community in the neighbourhood, crime is rife and there are sometimes shootings nearby, with police present in the area on a daily basis. They do not have running water or a bathroom in their home. Luis* and Samuel* collect water from the common well – though this is not drinking water and can only be used for cleaning. They have access to drinking water for only a few hours each week during the early hours of Sunday and Monday. Because of the economic crisis in the country, it’s become more and more difficult for the family to pay for food, which Emily describes as ‘ridiculously expensive’. Samuel’s father – who died after contracting Covid – used to support the family by paying for food to school fees. Now, Emily has to make do with her salary and help from her older children Daniela Gómez Arguinzones / Save the Children

WASH

Rehabilitating schools in Zulia state, which includes building toilets and washrooms and upgrading water storage tanks and their distribution network, benefiting more than 1,200 children and adolescents to date. 

Zaeem visits healthcare programmes in Colombia

Dr Zaeem Haq, Global Director, Medical Services, and Dr Guillermo Navas, Director Programme Operations Colombia speak to unaccomapnied children at a Child Friendly Space at the Paraguachón border crossing between Colombia/Venezuela. Children can spend the day at the CFS, learning, playing, being fed nutritious food and can also receive healthcare. Save the Children

HEALTH

Providing community-based health interventions, focussed on promoting good practices, offering basic medical care, and spotting people who needed urgent attention, then connecting those individuals with services available through local partners. 

However, there are still important gaps—especially in follow-up care, referral systems, and access to mental health support. Improving these areas will be a major priority moving forward. 

Nutrition

Carrying out community-based nutrition screening, counselling for caregivers on infant and young child feeding, including breastfeeding, and referring children with acute malnutrition to available services. 

María Fernanda, 30, and Victoria, 7, spend time together at work.

Many times, it is Victoria who helps choose the nail polish colors that María Fernanda will apply on her clients. MIGUEL ANGEL ARREATEGUI RODRIGUEZ

CHILD PROTECTION

Promoting  the protection and well-being of girls, boys, and adolescents through socio-emotional learning activities, child-friendly spaces, mindfulness practices in schools and communities, individual psychosocial support through case management, and the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into programs such as Building Brains, Safe Schools, and Safe Families, strengthening safe and protective environments for their development. 

Diana*, 5, shows her drawing of her family to her mom

Tania* arrived from Venezuela with her two children and her grandmother. Her sister, aunt, and mother were waiting for her in Peru. She decided to leave her country of origin because she was struggling to buy food for her children, who were still very young. Her children Diana*, 5, Alejandro*, 8 and Gabriel*, 11 months all love to play outside, draw and eat their mother's baked goods. MIGUEL ANGEL ARREATEGUI RODRIGUEZ / Save the Children

EDUCATION

Helping children access safe and quality education by providing educational kits, training teachers to improve reading, writing, maths and socio-emotional skills, and coordinating with educators and community partners to help students catch up on their learning and support children’s return to school. 

María Fernanda, 30, Victoria, 7, and "Pulgoso" observe the sea in Pacasmayo.

Victoria accompanies her mother to all places. Mother and daughter enjoy spending time together. MIGUEL ANGEL ARREATEGUI RODRIGUEZ

PARTNERSHIPS

Save the Children is implementing a training program designed to strengthen the capacities of local organizations in Venezuela regarding the implementation of humanitarian projects and organizational management. 

The programme addresses both technical and cross-cutting themes, such as gender, safeguarding, and advocacy. 

Diana*, 5, plays with the kaleidoscope in the park

Tania* arrived from Venezuela with her two children and her grandmother. Her sister, aunt, and mother were waiting for her in Peru. She decided to leave her country of origin because she was struggling to buy food for her children, who were still very young. Her children Diana*, 5, Alejandro*, 8 and Gabriel*, 11 months all love to play outside, draw and eat their mother's baked goods. MIGUEL ANGEL ARREATEGUI RODRIGUEZ / Save the Children

CHILD PARTICIPATION

We seek and promote the active participation of children and adolescents, in coordination mechanisms and in the National Advisory Group of Children and Adolescents (GANNAN), as a means of strengthening and supporting child and youth participation in decision-making processes and advocacy spaces.

Tania*, 27, gazes out the window at the street while holding her little son Gabriel*, 11 months old

Tania* arrived from Venezuela with her two children and her grandmother. Her sister, aunt, and mother were waiting for her in Peru. She decided to leave her country of origin because she was struggling to buy food for her children, who were still very young. Her children Diana*, 5, Alejandro*, 8 and Gabriel*, 11 months all love to play outside, draw and eat their mother's baked goods. MIGUEL ANGEL ARREATEGUI RODRIGUEZ / Save the Children

GENDER

Through an intersectoral and inclusive action plan, we address the root causes of inequalities based on gender and other forms of diversity, which affect children, adolescents, and women in differentiated ways.

Our impact for children in 2025

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8,876

children reached through child protection programmes

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3,976

children reached through child poverty programmes

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11,697

children reached through education programmes

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17,055

children reached through health and nutrition programmes