Fe y Alegría launches 'Open Schools' for students affected by earthquakes

Fe y Alegría, a popular education movement, is launching its "Open Schools" program on August 10th in at least seven of its educational centers most affected by the earthquakes of June 24th. The initiative, which will run for five weeks, aims to provide emotional support to students before the new school year begins.

According to Radio Fe y Alegría Noticias, the program will not be a vacation plan or mere entertainment, though it will include recreational activities. "In our Open Schools, we will carry out short 90-minute pedagogical recreational activities, where students from Preschool to Technical High School can express their emotions and everything they experienced with the earthquake," explained Professor Yameli Martínez.

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In our Open Schools, we will carry out short 90-minute pedagogical recreational activities, where students from Preschool to Technical High School can express their emotions and everything they experienced with the earthquake.

The goal is to help students gradually transition back to school routines, allowing them to return to the 2026-2027 school year with greater peace of mind and confidence. Martínez noted that some children refuse to leave their homes due to fear, and the program aims to help them overcome this anxiety. Schools participating include Simón Bolívar and Juan Pablo II in La Guaira, Luisa Amalia Vegas and Sagrada Familia in El Junquito, Abraham Reyes in Caracas, and Monseñor Alí Lebrún and Hermana Dolores in Puerto Cabello.

Fe y Alegría confirmed that 31 students and one teacher died as a result of the June 24th earthquakes. The organization warned that damage to infrastructure threatens the start of the next school year for thousands of students if the most affected facilities are not rehabilitated. The director general, Father José Gregorio Terán, expressed solidarity with the victims' families, stating, "There have been 32 people, students 30-31 and one teacher. For this reason, we commend them to God and express our solidarity with the pain of all families."

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There have been 32 people, students 30-31 and one teacher. For this reason, we commend them to God and express our solidarity with the pain of all families.