Tomas and Luis, Warao fishermen in Wakajara de la Horqueta. Photo: LWF Colombia-Venezuela
LWF brings humanitarian aid to remote indigenous communities in the Orinoco delta
(LWI) - In one of Venezuela’s most remote and vulnerable regions, the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) provides humanitarian aid to marginalized indigenous communities in Delta Amacuro, home to the Warao people. It provides food, education, protection, and livelihoods support to these river communities, who live a rich cultural heritage in connection with their environment, but face extreme isolation, contaminated water sources, limited access to services, and high climate vulnerability.
Venezuela is experiencing a complex crisis driven by political instability, economic decline, and severe shortages of essential resources such as food, medicine, and electricity. These challenges have forced more than nine million people to leave the country. Those who stayed are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance – like the indigenous communities in the Orinoco Delta.
From meals to livelihoods
The Warao are indigenous communities in the Orinoco Delta. Accessible only by boat—often after 12-hour journeys—communities like Pepeina, Winamorena, and Wakajara de la Horqueta struggle with seasonal flooding, unsafe drinking water, and limited access to education and health care. Many residents lack formal identification, which restricts access to public services.
The LWF team engaged local leaders from the outset, grounding its work in community priorities. The rights-based approach emphasized local leadership and cultural respect.
“You came when hunger was at its worst. You arrived, and what you gave us truly helped”, says Dina Garcia, one of the community members. “You showed us how to make handicrafts, diapers, and soap. I enjoyed it, and it turned out well. All of us appreciated it — it went well for everyone”.
You came when hunger was at its worst. You arrived, and what you gave us truly helped.
Dina GARCIA, Warao community
LWF’s humanitarian response in Venezuela began by providing daily nutritious meals to more than 20,000 children across 100 schools. As the program expanded through strong partnerships with local communities, it grew to include infrastructure repairs, solar-powered lighting, and the creation of safe spaces where children could learn, play, and receive psychosocial support in an environment that honors their cultural identity. LWF and its local partners helped them set up early warning systems to strengthen the community’s preparedness for flooding.
To support long-term resilience, the program introduced skills training in fishing, agriculture, and traditional crafts. Women participated in eco-friendly production workshops, for example on the production of reusable sanitary pads and soap. Alongside these efforts, community-based training, legal assistance, and sessions on for example child protection were delivered in collaboration with local leaders, teachers, and interpreters—ensuring that all activities were shaped by the voices of those most affected.
Awareness-raising session in a school. Photo: LWF Colombia-Venezuela
Dina Garcia. Resident of the Winamorena community. Photo: LWF Colombia-Venezuela
pproaching Winamorena. The Warao community in Delta Amacuro is only accessible by boat. Photo: Church of Sweden
Building Resilience
Working in the Amacuro Delta left a deep impression on the team, says Vanessa Andreina Dordelly Daza, LWF Program Coordinator in Venezuela.
"From the moment you arrive in the communities, you see that they are immersed in a culture that lives intimately with water and nature They call themselves ‘people of the water.’ The richness of their history, their cultural practices, and their resilience in the face of adversity leave an indelible impression on us”.
Traditional leaders, teachers and interpreters led the process and helped the LWF team navigate these unknown waters in a rights-based approach, ensuring a close and respectful collaboration with the Warao communities, she adds.
The LWF team has now summarized their experience and approach in working with indigenous communities in a handbook, which they share with other organizations. "Sharing about a culturally and faith-sensitive approach, that empowers the community, can help others working in a similar environment,” says Carmen Garcia, LWF Regional Program Coordinator for Latin America.
“Our experience in Delta Amacuro shows the importance of culturally respectful humanitarian action that centers Indigenous leadership, language, and traditions. This is what LWF stands for—inclusion and the dignity of all people.”
