Global Jesuit network raises more than AUD 2.3 million for Venezuela earthquake recovery
Communities around the world have raised more than AUD 2.3 million (€1.4 million) to support families recovering from the devastating earthquakes in Venezuela. Through the Xavier Network, Jesuit Mission Australia and its partners are expanding the response beyond emergency relief to help families rebuild their lives.
Nearly a month after the earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, more than 5,000 people have died, over 16,000 have been injured, around 18,000 have been left homeless and more than 50,000 people remain unaccounted for as communities begin the long process of rebuilding.
Nearly a month after the earthquakes struck Venezuela on 24 June, more than 5,000 people have died as communities begin the long process of rebuilding. Image provided by Zach Martorana
Jesuit partners, including Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Venezuela, Fe y Alegría Venezuela and the Jesuit Province in Venezuela, continue to provide emergency assistance and long-term recovery support through shelter, psychosocial support, education and livelihood programs.
Country Director of JRS Venezuela, Fr Edgar Magallanes SJ, said that while the immediate search-and-rescue phase had ended, many families still faced uncertainty about where they would live and how they would rebuild their lives.
“The visibility of this emergency will quickly decline on social media,” he said. “But the recovery will continue long after the headlines have faded.”
The earthquakes affected 93 Fe y Alegría schools and educational centres, disrupting learning for around 15,000 students. Jesuit partners are working to help schools reopen safely while supporting students, teachers and families.
Around 18,000 people have been left homeless, with thousands now living in temporary tents. Image provided by Zach Martorana.
“The generosity of communities around the world is making a real difference. Through the Xavier Network, our Jesuit partners can continue accompanying families as they recover and rebuild,” said Jesuit Mission Australia CEO Helen Forde.
Through the Jesuit university, Universidad Católica Andrés Bello, more than 160 tonnes of humanitarian supplies have been distributed across four states. To date, Jesuit organisations have distributed around 1,500 emergency relief kits containing food, medicine, hygiene items and household essentials. The response has also included expanded staffing, psychological support, technical assessments of damaged schools and the establishment of safe spaces for children and families.
Jesuit Mission Australia is calling on the Australian Catholic community to support its Emergency Action Fund, enabling local Jesuit partners to respond to humanitarian crises before, during and after the headlines. Donations will continue to support long term recovery in Venezuela and other emergencies around the world.
With thanks to Jesuit Mission Australia and Zach Martorana.
