Dear friend:

As we move towards the more hectic holiday time of the year I wanted to reach out  on behalf of Wayuu Taya, to fill you in on what has been accomplished this year and what we are preparing for in 2017. Because of your generosity, despite the tremendous hardships our country has encountered, we’ve managed to continue the work in helping hundreds of indigenous women and children.

-    Nutritional and Pediatric Assessment day for the children of the schools that are part of the foundation (over 1500 kids assessed)
-    Humanitarian Mega Sancochos, a food drive  to mitigate hunger and malnutrition of the Wayuu families in La Cienega and Tepichi Talashi school with over 1000 children .
-    Warm Cup Program – we discovered many children arriving to school were not eating at home due to the lack of food and the humanitarian crisis that has crippled the country. The snack and lunch was the only food they were eating. Because of this, we are now giving them a cup of nutritional and warm food such as oatmeal when they arrive in the morning.
-    Implementation of the Sports Program in the school, Virgen de la Paz in the town of Zulia.  Over 400 children are now playing  soccer, basketball and volleyball.
-    The Wayuu Music Workshop in conjunction with the University of Zulia and the Department of Education – this is the prelude to the establishment of the musical programs in the remaining Wayuu schools created to preserve the indigenous culture . 
-    Our Shukamajaya Program developing and selling handmade indigenous products to the rest of the world, such as the Susu bags, in order to create sustainable commerce.
-    The Foundation created a work place for women providing the necessary materials to elaborate colorful artisan handbags. These bags, known as “Susu”, are a part of the Wayúu’s traditional symbols. Shukumajaya is also the social space where counseling and orientation in family planning, nutrition and hygiene are given.

-   Construction of sports stands for the Virgen de La Paz School in the town of Zulia
-    Special celebrations in the schools for the following holidays: Indigenous Children’s Day, Indigenous Resistance Day, Children’s Day and the end of the 2016 school year. This includes activities to celebrate Christmas for all the children as well.
-    Joy In Christmas – a major toy, food, clothing and footwear collection campaign for the indigenous children of Zulia
-    General continued maintenance and growth of the Tephichi Talashi School in the town of Mara.

As you can see, we’ve continued to assist and give hope to so many children and families because of your continued generosity. There is so little food and hope in our country, crippling these indigenous communities in particular.  Now, more than ever, I ask for your help and support for people who are truly suffering and who are in great need of our generosity. 

Please make a tax-deductible donation of ANY AMOUNT to support our programs and the efforts we are making to make a difference!

Visit online at: https://secure2.ersvp.com/donation/index.htm 

OR contribute by mail, making a check payable to The Wayuu Taya Foundation and sending it to:

The Wayuu Taya Foundation
PO BOX 328
Midland Park, NY 07432

Thank you for helping us make the world a better place and may you enjoy a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving!

All my love and gratitude,

Patricia Velasquez
President and Founder
The Wayuu Taya Foundation