RISE are a group of orphanages in Las Minas Baruta and Petare (which is the largest slum in South America) near Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. They are in desperate need of financial support in order to feed all the children there as well as buying medicine, toiletries and clothes. In Petare they serve up to 132 children and youth but they no longer have the facilities for them to sleep there as they don't have the funding. They try to provide food for the children when they have it and support the children in their school activities. In Las Minas Baruta there were previously 2 homes but one has had to close it doors, again this is due to lack of funds.

Currently there is a humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, inflation is through the roof and expected to reach 10 million per cent, therefore daily necessities are extremely expensive to buy. Due to the price increase items are also hard to come by now; things we take for granted like bread, toothpaste, rice, deodorant are all hard to find and when they are available they are at an inflated price making it hard for people to survive. The orphanage has no government support so relies solely on donations but with the crisis over there less and less families are able to help them as they are facing the same struggles themselves.

The British School of Caracas is trying to support them by providing them with a meal a day as well as medicines and toiletries, however, this is becoming harder and harder to do so. The school community (teachers, parents and pupils) invite the children to the school for an activity day once a month. Everyone gives up their time and resources voluntarily but the cost of supporting these activities and providing them with a meal whilst they are there is currently $500 each time due to the scarcity of food and inflated prices.

RISE need you help! Anything you can donate will go towards buying them food, medicine, toiletries and clothes.

Further links to information about the crisis in Venezuela:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/13/venezuela-maduro-guaido-aid-latest-news

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmvBBv1bmPs

Information regarding the most recent power cut crisis:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/mar/14/venezuela-blackout-power-returns

Further information about RISE orphanage:

https://www.facebook.com/rinconinfantil.sanedmundo

http://archivo.globovision.com/250-ninos-atiende-la-fundacion-rincon-infantil-san-edmundo/

Below are photos of RISE's last visit to The British School of Caracas on 16.2.19 where they took part in art and sports activities and face painting as well as having lunch there. Donations are needed in order to continue this much needed support for them.