The next generation of heroes in Venezuela

In Delta Amacuro, Venezuela, floods and drought are a part of life. When rivers rise or rains fail, communities can be hard to reach. In those first hours of an emergency, families often rely on each other.

That is why something hopeful is happening in local schools. Children are learning practical skills for emergencies. They are also sharing those skills at home. They are helping their families prepare. In some cases, they are helping their communities respond.

As one student, Liliangelis, shared, “At our school, we are learning how to protect our environment because it is important for our future. But we are also learning how to be prepared for disasters such as floods or forest fires.”

This is not about children being passive recipients of aid. It is about children being equipped to lead.

Luisana from the World Vision Venezuela team shared, “We continue to seek more inspiration and more children so that they can be the future of Venezuela and continue to care for our environment."

Why preparedness matters in Venezuela

When disasters happen, like flooding, drought or service failures, children can be among the most at risk, especially when you consider the dire challenges they already face.

Needs are often critical, especially for children.

UNICEF reported that in 2024, 3.8 million children in Venezuela needed humanitarian assistance.

At the same time, many Venezuelans have left home in search of safety and stability. UNHCR notes that the number of Venezuelan refugees and migrants worldwide has reached nearly 7.9 million.

Inside the country, gaps in basic services and economic pressure continue to affect families. UNHCR sources report about 7.6 million people in Venezuela are in need of humanitarian assistance.

When disaster strikes communities that are already vulnerable, preparedness helps people to respond faster and reduce harm. That is why local readiness matters.

The birth of young heroes: school brigades in Delta Amacuro

A child-centred initiative is helping communities strengthen resilience. It’s funded by World Vision’s Nexus programming. In Delta Amacuro, children asked to be included in practical ways. They wanted to help protect the environment and help their communities prepare for climate-related disasters.

World Vision worked with school leaders and local partners to support three school brigades:

• First aid brigade
• Disaster management brigade
• Ecological brigade

So far, 36 children have joined and are receiving training through a program designed for children. The course is practical, safe and age appropriate.

This approach matters because it treats children as contributors. It also builds skills that can help families respond in emergencies.

What children are learning and sharing

The brigades focus on real-life skills. Children learn basic first aid, safe actions during emergencies and how to work together under pressure. They also learn how environmental care connects to disaster risk, especially in places affected by flooding and drought.

Then the learning spreads. Children talk about it at home. They teach siblings. They remind parents. They share what to do and what not to do. This kind of learning often sticks because it becomes part of daily life.

Strong partnerships make it possible

Disaster preparedness works best when people connect with others in their communities. That includes schools, parents and local responders.

In this program, World Vision partnered with school leaders, civil protection and firefighters. It was a community effort built on trust and collaboration.

Proof that child-centred resilience matters

When millions of people need humanitarian support, effective solutions must be practical and sustainable. World Vision continues to respond across the region to support children and families affected by the crisis.

The brigades show a simple truth. Children are often vulnerable during disasters, but they can also be part of the solution when they are equipped and supported.

When children are equipped, families are stronger. When families are stronger, communities are safer. And when communities are safer, children have more space to learn, grow and thrive.