From Pencil and Notebook to a School: Ciudad Bendita Born in La Guaira

In La Guaira, Venezuela, a beacon of hope has emerged from the aftermath of earthquakes, transforming a shelter into a place of learning. Ciudad Bendita, located in Playa Surfista, Mare Abajo, is now an educational space for children who lost their homes and routines due to seismic activity.

The initiative began with a heartfelt plea from Zaida Garnier, a survivor of the earthquakes. Concerned about the children's idle time spent in the shelter, she initially requested basic school supplies: a pencil and a notebook. Her simple wish has now blossomed into a fully functioning school within the shelter itself.

Garnier, driven by a desire to keep the children engaged and connected to their education, explained her motivation: "I wanted to get them doing something useful and not forget about school." This project, born from a personal concern, has gained momentum through the support of numerous individuals who joined her cause.

Ciudad Bendita stands as a testament to community resilience, demonstrating how a small act of kindness and a shared goal can create a vital educational haven. The school provides a crucial sense of normalcy and opportunity for the children, allowing them to continue their learning journey even as they navigate the challenges posed by the natural disaster.

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I wanted to get them doing something useful and not forget about school.