Klabu

On average, over 200 people use the KLABU Boa Vista space every day - 43% are women, girls and queer participants - making it an exceptionally inclusive and active community space.

Since its launch, KLABU has always been a place of joy, movement and connection in Tuaranoko. Today, with the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, it has become more important than ever and a vital community refuge where everyone  feels safe and supported.

In October, 60 women took part in our Breast Cancer Awareness volleyball tournament. For many, KLABU was the first space where they had ever seen  or joined  a women-only sports event.
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Here, sport is not only a way to strengthen physical and mental wellbeing, but also a powerful vehicle for solidarity and awareness around important health topics such as breast cancer.

“It was the first time I had ever seen an only-women team playing volleyball.”

On October 10th, the entire community took part in the Children’s Day celebration, with 1358 people participating.
300 children took part in the “gincana” (gymkhana / competitive games). It was a day filled with music, dancing, games, and prizes that brought families together.

“We are very happy that activities were organised in which families could participate together with their children, and not only have children participate separately. This helps families trust the work of KLABU and AVSI more, and we feel safer within the shelter space.”

In addition, 70 children participated in a drawing contest to design a mural for the KLABU container space. Their drawings reflect deep cultural meaning (traditional hummingbirds and indigenous house designs) and the mural has helped transform the space into something they truly feel belongs to them.

The Brazilian artist (Victoria) gathered elements from the winning drawings and brought them together into one collective artwork

KLABU also plays an important role in connecting refugee and host communities. Our staff member Thiago works closely with the municipality to ensure community inclusion in local events. Through this collaboration, 41 children and 29 mothers and fathers (a total of 70) were able to participate in a municipal race,  many for the very first time. Parents ran alongside their children.

“It was very beautiful to have access to cultural activities in a space outside the shelter, and to be able to share that moment with Brazilian families."