Donations at Lusófona University Generate Half a Tonne of Aid for Venezuela

With the support of Lusófona University, a wave of solidarity initiated by a member of the teaching staff delivered half a tonne of toys and school supplies to Venezuela on 19 September, at around 8:50 pm, for children affected by the devastating double earthquake that struck the country.

Assistant Professor at Lusófona University and Principal Coordinating Professor at IPLUSO, Paulo Sargento, launched the campaign by publishing an opinion piece in the newspaper Correio da Manhã on 1 July, mobilising a network coordinated by the Portuguese League for Human Rights, which he chairs.

Lusófona University took responsibility for logistics and storage, with the help of volunteer students from the Faculty of Law and the Department of Cinema and Media Arts, during the school holidays.

The goods arrived at Valencia Airport, with their swift clearance made possible by the decisive diplomatic support of Dr Soriyel Alvarado (Consulate of Venezuela in Lisbon) and Dr Alejandra Linares (Foreign Nationals Service of the Presidency of Venezuela), who expedited all the legal formalities in record time. MediaLivre (through CMTV, CMR and CM) handled the project's promotion and communications, while Fidelidade Insurance Company, as part of a social responsibility initiative, covered the entire cost of air transport.

Through this initiative, Lusófona University demonstrates how academic commitment can transform lives by mobilising its community to deliver not only toys and school supplies, but also hope, comfort and new learning opportunities to children affected by the disaster.