Catalyzing Positive Change By Investing In The Community
A Nonprofit Founded by Fulbright Brazil Alumni
Who are the Warao:
The Warao are an indigenous group from the Orinoco Delta of Venezuela. They have faced issues of political instability and economic hardships, prompting a significant number of Warao individuals to migrate from Venezuela. In pursuit of better opportunities, more than 700 Warao members have resettled in eight communities in Belem, Brazil, where they are working to reconstruct their lives while safeguarding their cultural heritage.
The image is taken from the June 2023 food campaign to feed approximately 700 Warao community members in Belem.
OUR MISSION
The image is taken at the Beira Mar community of Mariluz del Valle Mariano Nunez and her husband Johnny del Valle Mariano Nunez.
OUR FLAGSHIP PROJECT
BRIDGING THE GAP
In August of 2024, the Friends of the Warao established its flagship project in partnership with the International Institute of Brazilian Education (Instituto Internacional de Educação do Brasil) and members of the eight Warao communities throughout the greater metropolitan region of Belém. Our goal is to act as a bridge between countries and cultures to help fundraise the resources necessary to finance Warao projects.
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The eight Warao communities in the greater metropolitan region of Belém have created the cooperative Nona Anonamo Tuma - "We are all artisans". This cooperative is working to create and sell Warao indigenous artisanal handicrafts at artisanal marketplaces, stores, and fairs as a way of providing a consistent income to Warao families and communities in the region.
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One of the priorities of Nona Anonamo Tuma is hiring an artisanal consultant who can help professionalize, diversify, and standardize their artisanal works and prices. This artisanal consultant has previous experience working with Warao communities and has the professional connections to connect Warao community members to marketplaces and stores throughout Belém.
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Additionally, three Aidamos, or Warao community leaders, will be working and training with the consultant. By accompanying the consultant they plan to eventually work as consultants for their own Warao communities in the future. The Friends of the Warao is supporting this project having fundraised $9,100. This money is being used to fund the purchase of the raw materials needed to make artisanal handicrafts, hire a consultant for an entire year in addition to providing the transportation and food costs necessary for the three Aidamos to accompany the consultant and work alongside her.
NETWORK
Are you seeking to establish ties with local Brazilian partners and organizations? Is there a potential collaborator that could enhance our mutual interests? We aim to establish partnerships that can create meaningful connections, foster growth, and drive our shared objectives. Let's join forces and create a robust network together!
Get in Touch
If you have questions or want to get involved with our efforts, please reach out to us.
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We appreciate your support!