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🇻🇪 Venezuela /Good News

Beachside school "Pencil and Notebook" opens in Venezuela for earthquake-affected children

From El Nacional · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A community in La Guaira, Venezuela, has established a new school called "Lápiz y Cuaderno" (Pencil and Notebook) on a beach.
  • The school was founded by Zaida Garnier to provide educational activities for children affected by recent earthquakes.
  • Garnier seeks donations to support the school's operations and expand its offerings to children in need.

On a beach in La Guaira, Venezuela, a new school named "Lápiz y Cuaderno" (Pencil and Notebook) has opened its doors, offering a beacon of hope for children in the community of Ciudad Bendita. The initiative, spearheaded by Zaida Garnier, aims to provide constructive activities for young minds still reeling from the impact of recent devastating earthquakes.

Garnier, a survivor of the seismic events, expressed her concern about the children spending their free time in the heat without engaging activities. "I don't want them to spend all day in that hot tent, I want them to have something to do," she stated previously, her simple wish for a pencil and notebook now materialized into a full-fledged school.

I don't want them to spend all day in that hot tent, I want them to have something to do.

— Zaida GarnierGarnier previously expressed her concern about the children's lack of activities.

The "Lápiz y Cuaderno" school is more than just a place of learning; it's a testament to community resilience and the power of collective support. Garnier feels immense gratitude for the "godmothers and godfathers" who helped her vision become a reality. "I feel happy, grateful to God and to my children who like to learn," she said, her resolve strengthened by the children's eagerness to engage.

I feel happy, grateful to God and to my children who like to learn.

— Zaida GarnierGarnier shared her feelings about the school's realization and the children's enthusiasm.

With the beach as its backdrop, the school is fostering a love for learning and providing essential educational reinforcement. Garnier emphasized that stories like hers demonstrate the ongoing needs of the people of La Guaira and appealed for continued support. Donations of tents, fans, books, school supplies, or educational materials are welcomed to help the school teach children to read, love, respect, and embrace.

Surviving the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes, which claimed thousands of lives, has profoundly impacted Garnier. She feels a deep responsibility to support her community, driven by her own survival. The school's founding date, June 24, holds significance, marking a point for setting new goals after tragedy. Garnier also hopes to provide uniforms for the children, further solidifying their sense of belonging to the school environment.

Ayúdenme a ayudar. Quiero apoyar a los niños en la enseñanza a leer, a querer, a respetar, a abrazar.

— Zaida GarnierGarnier appealed for help and outlined how others can contribute to the children's education.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Nacional in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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