The Capitol of Venezuela is more than 2,000 miles from Charlottesville but some students at the University of Virginia are worried. Venezuela has descended into an economic turmoil that has spurred widespread famine and high inflation. These concerns led students to start a fundraising drive on grounds through an exhibit of housing conditions for the refugees.
A tent, two mattresses, and one suitcase are on display at the University of Virginia as the club To Build A Better Latin America brings to life the conditions of migrants fleeing famine and crisis in Venezuela.
“Some people are in worse conditions than this," saysiInternational student Carina Sacchi."This would be a luxury. People can’t even afford mattresses."
She said migrants are often people who had college degrees and careers but were forced to flee as the economic crisis and famine worsened.
“It’s crazy that people who used to be lawyers and doctors in Venezuela are now literally like waitresses and working in supermarkets, just to give their family something to eat and a better life.”
The club partnered with the United Nations to raise $10,000 for five new homes that will house Venezuelan migrants. It has raised $6,000 so far, but hopes to achieve its goal by December.