Dear Supporters,
For those working for humanitarian causes, 2023 has been an exceptionally hard year. The weight of new crises has compounded the existing ones, casting a deeper shadow over our collective efforts. But, echoing the words of the singer and poet: There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.So, allow us to show you the light we could see emerging from the cracks of this tumultuous year.
How we made a difference
In 2023, we not only achieved our goals but also exceeded our expectations. Here is a snapshot of our programmes’ preliminary results aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Good Health and Wellbeing. By sponsoring 100 junior doctors with a monthly allowance, we supported them in treating more than 120,000 patients in state hospitals, providing access to medical care to less privileged Venezuelans.
- Zero Hunger. Malnutrition in children is widespread in Venezuela, but not in Guaraunos, a village in Sucre State on the eastern side of the country. There, 100 children are healthy and happy thanks to our food programme.
- Quality Education: In addition to supporting 100 junior doctors this year, we conducted a pilot program to train 20 senior doctors in the use of portable scanning devices, which we donated to a medical school.
- Water Treatment Plants: The water quality in Venezuela is poor, and treatment plants or filters need regular maintenance. This year, our maintenance program benefited an estimated 20,000 people who had access to potable water in hospitals.
- Gender Equality: For the sixth consecutive year, we have been running a reproductive health campaign with our partners on the ground. In 2023, we provided 300 women in an impoverished area of Venezuela with access to contraceptive options and sexual health advice.
Raising Awareness
We seize every opportunity to advocate for the Venezuelan cause. In 2023, we expanded our efforts on multiple fronts. Firstly, we joined the board of DEMAC, an international diaspora organization, strengthening our global network and influence. Additionally, we became signatories of the Jena Declaration promoted by the UNESCO Chair of Global Sustainability. Throughout the year, we actively participated in various international conferences, including an event in Madrid where the Queen of Spain was the guest speaker.
How we did it
We couldn’t have achieved these results without the time, effort, and highly valuable skills of our volunteers. Once again, we had many supporters who ran, cycled, and danced to raise funds. Our chapters in France, Northern Ireland, and the USA were more active than ever, organizing both small and large events as part of our GivingTuesday campaign. Our greatest success, though, was securing over £80,000 in funds from businesses and foundations, which will be dedicated to our food programme and sponsoring junior doctors.
The Future
We look back at a successful year with a sense of achievement and gratitude to those who supported us. And we also look ahead with optimism as we do our bit to lay the foundations for a sustainable future in Venezuela. In the picture below are some of the many messages of gratitude we received this year. On behalf of the trustees, volunteers, and our people in Venezuela, we join in thanking you for your unwavering support.
May your generosity to us come back to you in many blessings in 2024.
How You Can Help
There are a few days left to the end of the year, and still time to make a life-saving contribution to a worthy cause.