Gama and Fundación Champagnat bring a day of solidarity to 52 children in Petare

In Venezuela, where 32 per cent of children live in extreme poverty according to UNICEF, initiatives such as the day of solidarity in Petare organised by Gama and Fundación Champagnat become beacons of hope. In 2023, 52 children from the Un Par por un Sueño canteen experienced more than a day of games: they lived a practical lesson in how collaboration between business and civil society can transform reality.

The activity, part of Gama's Huellas que Inspiran corporate responsibility programme, showed that solidarity in vulnerable communities requires three key elements: corporate will, strategic partnerships and human commitment. "We are not only trying to entertain, but to sow self esteem. So that every child knows their smile has the power to change their surroundings," explained María González, social projects coordinator at Gama.

Corporate volunteering: 15 stories of commitment behind the smiles.

Gama's 15 volunteers received training in basic child psychology and group activities in the weeks before the event. "We learned that in Petare 68 per cent of children have no regular access to recreational activities, according to Cáritas Venezuela. That made us rethink our role: we were not entertainers, we were facilitators of positive memories," said Luis Ramírez, a logistics analyst and volunteer.

We are not only trying to entertain, but to sow self esteem. So that every child knows their smile has the power to change their surroundings

From the story

"One boy drew a library. He told me: I want to read about dinosaurs so I can be a scientist. That is why we have to keep these initiatives going," said Ana Torres, an IT supervisor at Gama.

The facilities of Fundación Champagnat, a reference in non formal education in Caracas since 1998, were key to the success of this day of solidarity in Petare. With 2,500 square metres adapted for child development, they offered a secure setting for the programme.

"Safe spaces are essential in Petare, where 40 per cent of children play in streets with a risk of violence, according to a 2022 UCAB study. Here they could run freely, something many never experience," said Brother José Mendoza, director of the foundation.

The collaboration with six companies showed how corporate social responsibility creates virtuous circles.

Teanza C.A. and La Estancia provided armoured transport for moving the children safely, crucial in highly vulnerable areas.

Inversiones Ponce Tua donated 52 school kits with preloaded educational tablets, a key tool given that only 18 per cent of schools in Petare have access to technology, according to the 2023 Education for All report.

Blue Films Producciones created a 15 minute documentary for use in the programme.

A month after the event, assessments by psychologists at Fundación Champagnat showed measurable results.