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onthegroundinternational

A little family picture of Esperanza Hoy's Shelter

A little family picture of Esperanza Hoy's Shelter with Ramon and Carmen and their adorable mascotas Miley Connie and Pantera! 🐱🐶 Can you spot the kitty?
#shelter #refugees #volunteering #family

Last week our two amazing volunteers, Menna and Br

Last week our two amazing volunteers, Menna and Brian, went to Cristo Rey to give an arts class to kids from the community!! The activity of the day: lovely pasta necklaces
#art #crafts #kids #volunteering #venezuela #colombia #pamplona

Last Saturday we had a little salsa lesson led by

Last Saturday we had a little salsa lesson led by our amazing dance teachers: Julia and Olov!💃🕺
A great way to take the edge off after a long week of hard work!
#salsa #dance #saturday #volunteering #caminantes #venezuela

Last week Tom and Olov took some of the kids from

Last week Tom and Olov took some of the kids from la Laguna out for a little kite flying session 🪁
The sun was a bit shy but the wind was definitely there!
What a lovely "sunny" afternoon 🍃

Today two of our volunteers and one of our coordin

Today two of our volunteers and one of our coordinators were giving an English class to some of the local kids from La Laguna! 📝 They revised their numbers, days of the week and how to introduce themselves and say how they feel 🙂
This project takes place every Monday!
It is an amazing opportunity for those kids to improve their English since they only have 30 minutes of English class per week at school.
✨✨✨
Hoy dos de nuestros voluntarios y uno de nuestros coordinadores dieron una clase de inglés a algunos de los niños de La Laguna! 📝 Revisaron sus números, los días de la semana y cómo presentarse y decir cómo se sienten 🙂
¡Este proyecto se lleva a cabo todos los lunes!
Es una oportunidad increíble para que esos niños mejoren su inglés, ya que solo tienen 30 minutos de clase de inglés por semana en la escuela.

✨🇻🇪Our 35km walk to La Laguna is on August

✨🇻🇪Our 35km walk to La Laguna is on August 10✨🇻🇪 Venezuela continues to be one of the most underfunded displacement crises in the world. This severe lack of funding means local aid shelters are struggling to provide necessary resources and support. The recent Venezuelan elections have created a wave of uncertainty, and many fear that the results could lead to further instability, potentially increasing the number of migrants. The ongoing humanitarian crisis means that more people than ever need our support.

In light of this, we are organizing a fundraiser to raise essential funds for Venezuelan migrants in Colombia. We will be participating in a 35 km walk along the migrant route to show our solidarity with those making the arduous journey. We aim to not only support them with immediate needs but also to show them that they are not alone.
We would love your support! Please consider donating and sharing with your network 👉🏼 (link in bio) #venezuela #venezuelancaminantes #venezuela🇻🇪 #venezuelaesperanza #colombia #caminante #caminantes #caminantesvenezolanos

Nuevo Escuela Fontibon is a one room schoolhouse a

Nuevo Escuela Fontibon is a one room schoolhouse about a half hour drive from Pamplona that serves the rural farming community. OTGI volunteers come weekly for English classes and sports play😁⚽️ Nuevo Escuela Fontibon es una escuela pequeña a una media hora en auto de Pamplona que sirve a la comunidad agrícola rural. Los voluntarios de OTGI vienen semanalmente para clases de inglés y juegos deportivos 😁⚽️

🗳️ Venezuelan Elections: What You Need to Kno

🗳️ Venezuelan Elections: What You Need to Know 🗳️

The Venezuelan election is July 28th and the stakes are high. Here are some essential details:

Main Candidates: Nicolás Maduro, the current authoritarian leader, faces opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, backed by the opposition after María Corina Machado was banned from running.
Political Climate: The elections come amid significant political tension and economic crisis.
Migrant Crisis:

Venezuelan Migrants: Since Nicolás Maduro took office, nearly 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country, seeking refuge from economic hardship and political instability.
Caminantes: These are the walkers traveling long distances on foot, often through treacherous conditions, to reach safer destinations.
Implications for Migration Flow:

Post-Election Surge: The outcome of the election could lead to a dramatic increase in the number of migrants. Many are poised to leave depending on the results, seeking stability and better living conditions elsewhere.
Aid Challenges: As international aid organizations withdraw, local and grassroots shelters are left to support the growing number of caminantes with limited resources. Version Español en los comentarios.
#venezuela #migration #caminantesvenezolanos #caminantes #venezuelan

Today two of our lovely volunteers hosted an Engli

Today two of our lovely volunteers hosted an English class for some of the local children in La Laguna. A great advantage of having native English speakers in the classroom is for the help in pronunciation. And our volunteers are always improving their Spanish too! ✨ Hoy dos voluntarios organizaron una clase de inglés para los niños en la biblioteca de La Laguna. Una ventaja de tener hablantes nativos de inglés es con la ayuda en la pronunciación. ¡Y nuestros voluntarios siempre están mejorando su español también! ✨ Do you think it is harder to learn English or Spanish? ¿Crees que es más difícil aprender inglés o español?

Meet one of our other recent volunteers Johannes f

Meet one of our other recent volunteers Johannes from Germany!
—Why did you choose to volunteer with OTGI?—
I chose this work because refugees are probably one of the most vulnerable group of people and need social support the most.

—What has been you favorite part of volunteering?—
To be able to help people a tiny bit on their journey, give them a smile and hear their stories.

—What have you learned from your experience?—
That this almost unbearable way of migration became some kind of routine, probably in other places of the world as well. I got reminded of how fundamentally different life circumstances can be just by luck and that we have to use our privileges for the good. And I got reminded how fragile our political and social systems are and that we have to fight for them.

Meet one of our lovely volunteers, Esther from the

Meet one of our lovely volunteers, Esther from the United States! @elawrence18
—Why did you choose to volunteer with OTGI?—
I chose to volunteer with OTGI because I wanted to help with the ongoing refugee crisis in Venezuela. I had read a lot about Venezuela’s democratic and economic collapse and wanted to be able to help people impacted by that fallout.

—What was your favorite part of volunteering?—
The most amazing part of volunteering was meeting people - caminantes, organization staff, and volunteers. Working “on the ground” offers the unique opportunity to have meaningful conversations with the people you are helping. I learned so much about their backgrounds and the experiences that led, in the case of the caminantes, to them migrating from their home country for hundreds of miles on foot.

—What did you learn from your experience?—
I learned that hope is miraculously powerful. I witnessed caminantes taking on what seemed like insurmountable challenges - like one brave woman I met who had been walking alone with her 4 children each under the age of 8 and expected 2 more weeks of walking at least - motivated by the hope for a better future. It was amazing to see the tenacity of the human spirit embodied in the caminantes we helped.
…
See the link in our bio if you’re interested in working with us!

Every day, our volunteers drive from Pamplona to L

Every day, our volunteers drive from Pamplona to La Laguna, delivering essential food, water, and supplies to support the caminantes on their journey. We provide items such as bananas, sandwiches, eggs, cookies, and electrolytes. Often, this is one of the few meals they can find during their walk, making our support crucial for their well-being.

Todos los dias, nuestros voluntarios conducen de Pamplona a La Laguna, entregando alimentos esenciales, agua y suministros para apoyar a los caminantes en su viaje. Les proporcionamos plátanos, bocadillos, huevos, galletas y electrolitos. Normalmente, esta es una de las pocas comidas con las que se pueden encontrar durante su caminata, es por ello que nuestro apoyo es crucial para su bienestar.

In Pamplona, many families, including those with y

In Pamplona, many families, including those with young children, lack access to quality food. To address this issue, OTGI steps in to distribute lunches to those in need. At Casa Arturo we provide several meals a week to ensure that families receive adequate nourishment.

We fund these meals through donations and rely on our volunteers to help prepare and serve the food. Our meals include local dishes such as arepas, rice, beans, eggs, and salad. Your continued support is crucial. Thank you for your generosity!

Want to make a donation? Link in bio! 💛💙❤️

(español)

En Pamplona, muchas familias incluidas las que tienen niños pequeños, carecen de acceso a alimentos de calidad. Para hacer frente a este problema, OTGI interviene para distribuir almuerzos a los necesitados. En Casa Arturo proporcionando varias comidas a la semana para garantizar que las familias reciban una alimentación adecuada.

Financiamos estas comidas a través de donaciones y contamos con nuestros voluntarios para ayudar a preparar y servir la comida. Nuestras comidas incluyen platos locales como arepas, empanadas, arroz, frijoles y huevos. Su apoyo continuo es crucial. Gracias por su generosidad.

¿Quieres hacer una donación? ¡Enlace en la biografía!

THANK YOU!! On May 4th we walked 35km from Pamplon

THANK YOU!! On May 4th we walked 35km from Pamplona to La Laguna! Thank you so much for your generous donations. The money raised will go towards operations expenses, our shelters, and Mobile Aid projects. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you! If you would still like to donate, you can find the link in our bio or in our “Donate” story highlights. 💛💙❤️

(español)
¡¡¡GRACIAS !!! ¡El 4 de mayo caminamos 35km desde Pamplona hasta La Laguna! Muchas gracias por vuestras generosas donaciones. El dinero recaudado se destinará a gastos operativos, a nuestros albergues y a proyectos de Ayuda Móvil. ¡No podríamos hacer esto sin ustedes! Si todavía quieres donar, puedes encontrar el enlace en nuestra bio o en nuestros destacados de la historia “Donar”. 💛💙❤️

On May 4th, our OTGI volunteers will be participat

On May 4th, our OTGI volunteers will be participating in a fundraising walk from Pamplona to La Laguna. The challenging walk is 35 km uphill and takes anywhere from 8-10 hours, but this is what Venezuelan walkers endure daily. Funds will go towards operations expenses at OTGI, Mobile Aid projects, and help provide food and supplies at our shelters.

Please consider donating at the GoFundMe link in our bio. This crucial work could not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and the donations that allow us to operate. Thank you! 💛💙❤️

(español)
El 4 de mayo, nuestros voluntarios de OTGI participarán en una caminata para recaudar fondos desde Pamplona hasta La Laguna. La desafiante caminata es de 35 km cuesta arriba y toma entre 8 y 10 horas, pero esto es lo que los caminantes venezolanos soportan diariamente. Los fondos se destinarán a los gastos de funcionamiento de OTGI, a proyectos de Ayuda Móvil, proporcionar alimentos y suministros en nuestros refugios.

Por favor, considere donar en el enlace GoFundMe en nuestra biografía. Este trabajo crucial no podría ser posible sin nuestros dedicados voluntarios y las donaciones que nos permiten operar. Muchas gracias

On May 4th, our OTGI volunteers will be participat

On May 4th, our OTGI volunteers will be participating in a fundraising walk from Pamplona to La Laguna. The challenging walk is 35 km uphill and takes anywhere from 8-10 hours, but this is what Venezuelan walkers endure daily. Funds will go towards operations expenses at OTGI, Mobile Aid projects, and help provide food and supplies at our shelters.

Please consider donating at the GoFundMe link in our bio. This crucial work could not be possible without our dedicated volunteers and the donations that allow us to operate. Thank you! 💛💙❤️

(español)
El 4 de mayo, nuestros voluntarios de OTGI participarán en una caminata para recaudar fondos desde Pamplona hasta La Laguna. La desafiante caminata es de 35 km cuesta arriba y toma entre 8 y 10 horas, pero esto es lo que los caminantes venezolanos soportan diariamente. Los fondos se destinarán a los gastos de funcionamiento de OTGI, a proyectos de Ayuda Móvil, proporcionar alimentos y suministros en nuestros refugios.

Por favor, considere donar en el enlace GoFundMe en nuestra biografía. Este trabajo crucial no podría ser posible sin nuestros dedicados voluntarios y las donaciones que nos permiten operar. Muchas gracias.

In March OTGI handed out food to 963 caminantes du

In March OTGI handed out food to 963 caminantes during our mobile aid trips
With the help of volunteers as well as your donations we are able to constantly help more of them with not only food but also cloths, medicine and other things

Please keep supporting them by supporting us ❤️🇻🇪

Want to make a donation ? —> 🔗 link in Bio

(español)
En marzo, OTGI repartió alimentos a 963 caminantes durante nuestros viajes de ayuda móvil.
Con el apoyo de los voluntarios y así mismo de sus donaciones podemos ayudar constantemente a más de ellos, no sólo con alimentos sino también con ropa, medicinas y otras cosas.

Por favor, sigue apoyándonos para ayudarles a ellos ❤🇻🇪

¿Quieres hacer una donación? -> 🔗 link in Bio

📍ESPERANZA HOY – 32 km until Pamplona Colombia

📍ESPERANZA HOY - 32 km until Pamplona Colombia 🇨🇴

Everyday, OTGI welcomes Venezuelan refugies in our Esperanza Hoy shelter located on the road to Pamplona.

Here they can :

* Have a nice meal 🥘
* Take a shower 🚿
* Wash their clothes 🧼
* Receive sanitary products & diapers 🚼
* Find information about the next shelters ℹ️

(Español)

📍ESPERANZA HOY - 32 km en Pamplona Colombia 🇨🇴

Todos los días, OTGI recibe refugiados venezolanos en nuestro albergue “Esperanza Hoy” ubicado en la vía a Pamplona.

Aquí pueden :

* Comer bien 🥘
* Ducharse 🚿
* Lavar su ropa 🧼
* Recibir productos sanitarios y pañales 🚼
* Encontrar información sobre los próximos refugios ℹ️

#OTGI #venezuelanrrfugies #caminantes #colombia #pamplona #donate #donation #nonprofit #venezuela

Our La Laguna shelter is located 35km outside of P

Our La Laguna shelter is located 35km outside of Pamplona towards Bucaramanga. Caminantes are provided with warm meals and a place to stay before continuing their journeys. Check out how our volunteers spend their time at La Laguna!

(español)
Nuestro refugio de La Laguna se encuentra a 35 km de Pamplona vía a Bucaramanga. Los caminantes reciben comidas calientes y un lugar donde alojarse antes de continuar sus viajes. Echa un vistazo a cómo nuestros voluntarios pasan su tiempo en La Laguna!

Thank you!! On February 10, OTGI volunteers part

Thank you!!

On February 10, OTGI volunteers participated in a 35km fundraiser walk from Pamplona to La Laguna. This helped raise money for operations expenses, Mobile Aid projects, and food and supplies for our shelters. Thank you to everyone who donated! Your support is greatly appreciated ❤️

(español)
El 10 de febrero, los voluntarios de OTGI participaron en una caminata de 35 km desde Pamplona hasta la Laguna para recaudar fondos. Esto ayudó a colectar dinero para gastos de operaciones, proyectos de Ayuda Móvil, alimentos y suministros para nuestros refugios. ¡Gracias a todos los que donaron! Su apoyo es muy apreciado ❤️

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