Children are at risk
In recent years the harsh social and economic situation has affected children, young people and families in Venezuela. When two strong earthquakes hit the country on 24th June 2026 children lost their homes and schools, with many separated from normal routines and family support. At the time of writing, two days after the earthquakes, the situation is changing rapidly. However, children are reported injured, traumatized, and displaced. There is an increased and urgent need to care, support and protect them and their families.
51%
Of Venezuelans are living in poverty
Widespread poverty
Before the 2026 earthquakes, 51% of Venezuelans were living in poverty. It is too soon to document the lasting effects of the devastating earthquakes.
When the Venezuelan economy suffered from plummeting global oil exports in 2014, social service initiatives to solve poverty ground to a halt. Soaring inflation rates made access to necessities impossible. A black market grew, and families resorted to barter trade to exchange possessions for food and water to survive.
20%
Of children are at risk of acute malnutrition
Malnutrition
Before the 2026 earthquakes, around 20% of children in Venezuela were at risk of acute malnutrition. This lack of healthy food affects young children most: 33% of children under the age of 2 are not meeting their growth milestones.
If children do not get enough to eat, both their mental and physical development is affected. This may have long-lasting effects. In addition, children who are malnourished often find it hard to concentrate at school, and so their education suffers too.
3.9M
Children live in areas affected by earthquakes
2026 Earthquakes
At the time of writing, just two days after the devastating earthquakes, it is difficult to fully understand their impact on children. According to UNICEF, an estimated 3.9 million children live in the areas affected by the earthquakes.
With decades of experience responding to emergencies, we know that children are often among those most affected when disasters strike. Beyond the immediate destruction, earthquakes can disrupt the care, protection, stability, and support systems that children rely on to grow up safely and thrive.
Together we can make a difference for children in Venezuela
Are supported in the community
85
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
Are supported on their way to independence
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We advocate for the rights of children at all levels. Through fun and games, the children in our care learn about their rights and how they can stand up for themselves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Venezuela).
Working together for sustainable development
In 2015, leaders from 193 countries committed to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This 15 year plan aims to improve the lives of people by ending poverty, fighting inequality and protecting the planet.
GOAL 1: End poverty
SOS Children’s Villages supports families and communities to keep families together and to help them break out of the cycle of poverty.
GOAL 4: Ensure quality education for all
Every child and young person SOS Children’s Villages supports has access to education, from kindergarten right up to vocational training or university.
GOAL 8: Equal job opportunities for all
SOS Children’s Villages supports young people in developing the skills and self-confidence they need to find decent work and trains parents so that they can have a stable income.
GOAL 10: Reduce inequalities
SOS Children’s Villages works to keep children safe by promoting peaceful and inclusive communities. We provide training on children’s rights and positive parenting.
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GOAL 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies
We advocate laws and practices that ensure social inclusion and protection for children and young people without parental care or from marginalized households.
Let’s keep on protecting children and young people!
Many children have been able to find a safe and secure home. With your help, we can continue to change their lives