Save the Children have been working with local partners in Venezuela since 2018.
Since 2020, we've reached more than 276,000 people, including over 150,000 children.
Page last updated June 2026
What's happening in Venezuela?
Venezuela is facing one of the world’s largest and most complex crises. Years of economic challenges, hyperinflation and climate-related shocks – including floods and landslides – have made it harder for many families to meet their children’s basic needs.
Children are among those most affected. Many face challenges accessing healthcare, education, safe water and the support they need to grow up healthy and safe.
Across the country, families are also dealing with ongoing disruption. Since 2014, millions of Venezuelans have been forced to leave their homes, which can lead to family separation and emotional distress for children.
More recently, the situation has been made even harder by sudden shocks like earthquakes, which can damage homes, schools and essential services. In these moments, children are often the most vulnerable – losing safe spaces, routines and access to support when they need it most.
- Over 1.5M children are out of school and many more are at risk of dropping out because of costs, transport barriers and deteriorating infrastructure.
- Millions of children need protection services in a context marked by family separation and violence.
- Over 5M lack reliable access to safe water, while 83% of communities report limited access to cooking gas.
- 8M people face health-related needs in a weakened system.
- Over 1M people need nutrition assistance, especially young children and pregnant women.
How we’re supporting children in Venezuela
We’ve been working with trusted local partners in Venezuela since 2020, supporting children and families across communities most affected by the crisis.
Together, we focus on practical, adaptable programmes that help children stay safe, healthy and learning:
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH)
We support schools by rehabilitating sanitation systems, including building toilets and washrooms, so children can learn in safer and healthier environments.
Health
We provide community-based healthcare and basic medical support, helping families access essential services through local partners.
Nutrition
We screen children for malnutrition in communities and support caregivers with advice on infant feeding, including breastfeeding.
Child Protection
We promote the wellbeing of girls, boys and adolescents through:
- socio-emotional learning activities
- child-friendly spaces
- mindfulness activities in schools and communities
- individual psychosocial support
All of this helps create safer, more supportive environments where children can recover and thrive.
Education
We help children access safe, quality education by:
- providing educational kits
- training teachers in reading, writing, maths and socio-emotional skills
- working with educators and communities to help children catch up on learning and return to school
