00:00One week after the earthquakes that struck Venezuela, a group of women in La Guaira is
00:06working to provide affected senior citizens with a safe spade amid their grief.
00:11Our colleague Belén de los Santos shared the story with us.
00:15On June 24th, everything changed in La Guaira.
00:18And even amidst the pain, the rubble and the sleepless nights, there are those who believe
00:23in the resilience of community and love.
00:25This is the story of Santa Eduvigi's school, which in a matter of days became a place
00:30of shelter and support for the elderly men and women who were affected by the earthquakes.
00:37Some people treat older adults like children and say they're just like kids, but they're
00:41not children.
00:43They do not need love.
00:44They have already lived a full life, and we owe them care and attention.
00:50This care doesn't stop at the door.
00:52A specialized team patrols public spaces and the most affected communities to identify
00:57cases that may require this extra support.
01:02And now we're going to recruit some people.
01:04We've already identified them, to bring them here, to give them love and affection.
01:08And we're all affected.
01:10We're really hurt, but that's not going to stop us.
01:14We're in a hurry because we're going to look for vulnerable elderly people, especially at this
01:18initial stage.
01:20Along with social service workers and the Ministry for Senior Citizens, the spokesperson
01:25for the local communes also work together.
01:28They are indispensable to the development of these spaces.
01:31For them, grassroots organization and popular power is their greatest strength at this time.
01:37It is time for all of us to stand in solidarity, to show empathy and to stand with the people.
01:44We must continue to stand by the people and support their struggles.
01:47But we must also show solidarity and brotherhood and demonstrate the spirit of solidarity that
01:52defines us as Venezuelans and manifests itself in all circumstances.
01:56Just opened, the center already has the capacity for over 180 senior citizens and hopes to provide a home amidst
02:04the tragedy.
02:06So we need to provide support not only for the children, but also for our elderly and make them feel
02:12that they are not alone.
02:17I'm already recovering from my stroke.
02:21Everything here is going very well for me.
02:25The doctors are taking care of me and giving me my medication.
02:29They're wonderful.
02:31It's all good.
02:33That's where I see God.
02:34I see God reflected in those people.
02:36That's all.
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