Enliven, Cathedral’s faith and service club, gathered last week to hear about Impaktemos and its impact on women and families in Venezuela. Ana, the organization’s Program Director, presented to the students from Venezuela via Zoom. She first expressed her deep love for her nation and culture, and then shared the “crazy story” that is Venezuela’s current and devastating reality: 80% of Venezuelans live in extreme poverty, the country’s inflation rates are at a record high, and 1.5 million children—the future of the nation—lack access to education. Faced with these and other injustices, such as the denial of free speech and other basic human rights, over 20% of the Venezuelan people have immigrated to other countries, resulting in countless separated families.
In the face of so much pain and suffering, Ana determined three options: she could leave her country; she could simply give up and ask God “Why?”; or she could do something about the situation; she chose the third option. Ana quit her job as the principal of a private school and began working full time for Impaktemos, or ‘Let’s Impact,’ an organization committed to Venezuela and its future. This initiative empowers women and families through literacy education and vocational training.
For Impaktemos, the quantity of individuals they serve is less important than each individual story that they can change, and Cathedral students want to be a part of this change! Ana invited students to take action: first and foremost, by praying for the devastating situations that so many in Venezuela face and for the fruitfulness of the work of Impaktemos. To support the cause, Enliven will sell handmade friendship bracelets, crafted by women participating in the program, to the Cathedral community. Finally, Ana asked Enliven students to spread the word about this initiative to their friends and families.
At the end of the presentation, some of the students shared their impressions and takeaways. One student expressed how it was devastating to hear that schooling is not available for so many children, and another added that she realized how privileged Cathedral students are to be able to read and write. The informative experience, according to another student, opened her eyes as to why so many immigrants are coming in, and this new understanding will help her not to judge but to see these individuals with compassion and respect. Finally, a student was impressed that it is not just the USA that is helping support this cause, but also people in countries like Mexico and Spain.
Wth openness and compassion, Cathedralites have embraced the needs of others during Hispanic Heritage Month, and we look forward to hearing about future Enliven events and outreach initiatives!