Chamos – In the Aid of Children of Venezuela
Chamos’ mission is to enhance the well-being of underprivileged children and young people in Venezuela, equipping them with essential education, tools, and resources for a prosperous future with dignity and expanded opportunities.
Alejandro O’Daly
16 Years in Finance and Executive Management; Chile, Panama, Venezuela.
Alejandro has been involved with Chamos since 2019, raising awareness of Chamos within his professional and personal circles and growing its donor base. During the pandemic, Alejandro facilitated a crucial partnership with his company that bolstered Chamos’ WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) program and delivering 329 boxes of soap that reached an estimated 23,600 of Venezuela’s most vulnerable families. It also resulted in significant multi-year commitments from major corporate partners in the sector – including P&G – to support the continuation of their WASH work.
Alejandro writes in his letter of recommendation, “I left P&G with a strong sense of social responsibility, and upon returning to my home country of Venezuela after several years abroad, I seized the opportunity to give back. Chamos deeply resonates with me due to its mission and operational discipline, echoing the ethos I developed at P&G.” In promoting the project in particular, he writes: “I am particularly excited about the Chamos Academy, which has shown remarkable progress over the last year. The evolution of the Academy highlights to me the capability of Chamos to create real change for young people who otherwise face significant barriers, and the sustainability and scalability of its work.”
The primary purpose of the Chamos Academy is to enhance digital literacy among young people in Venezuela, specifically targeting the disadvantaged aged 15-18 years. The program establishes computer labs in under-resourced schools and runs coding and digital skills workshops, equipping these individuals with essential IT skills and preparing them for higher education, vocational training, and careers within and beyond STEM fields. Beyond technical skills, the Academy focuses on developing interpersonal skills through collaborative projects, feedback, presentations and problem-solving challenges. Lastly, the Academy is dedicated to helping students prepare for the job market, ensuring they are capable of contributing effectively to their future roles and navigating the professional world. Teachers will actively engage in mentoring students on resume writing, interview preparation, and networking strategies, providing them with the tools and confidence to secure internships and employment opportunities. This holistic approach aims to build confidence and foster a sense of value and potential.
The $25,000 PGAF award will help maintain operations at Chamos’ three current school locations, upgrade educational infrastructure and offerings, and improve students’ employment outcomes. Funds will contribute towards the purchase of 54 new laptops equipped with the latest cybersecurity software and Microsoft Office licenses, enhance the teaching staff and curriculum by financing the stipends of five lead teachers and an additional instructor, and help support essential operational roles including the Program Manager in Venezuela. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 84 students in the 2024-25 academic year, expanding to include 99 students by 2025-26.
Keiner’s story is about a young boy from Venezuela who has significant challenges in receiving education due to the country’s economic crisis. His story reflects the harsh reality of many Venezuelan children who are forced to drop out of school to help their families survive. Thanks to Chamos, Keiner received a scholarship that has allowed him to continue his education. Listen to Keiner himself. Keiner’s Story