What is it about the holidays that makes us want to do something selfless? In the spirit of giving, we get so swept up in wanting to get that perfect gift for someone, to see that look of pure joy flash across their face as they open the gift you know is absolutely perfect for them, something they will absolutely cherish. It makes us realize that there are people out there who are less fortunate than us who don’t need the material possessions that don our lists to have a happy holiday. ~ Nadia Hosni
People like Patricia Velasquez understand this feeling. The model positively glows when she talks about the mission and accomplishments of the Wayúu Tayá Foundation, an organization she founded in 2002 with the help of some friends. “I started the foundation together with a few friends like Donna Karan, Katie Ford, and Carolina Herrera—a lot of people from the fashion world, and it’s just grown and grown,” says Patricia. You can feel her pride in each and every word.
Being connected to the people of Wayúu Tayá makes this personal for Patricia. With her mother a native of the Wayúu tribe, Patricia’s roots stem from Guajira, a small region that is located between the Venezuelan and Colombian territory. The Guajiros rich cultural history dates back centuries—and the area today ranks second among the poorest places in Latin America after Haiti, according to UNICEF.
Born in Zulia, Venezuela, Patricia left her homeland as a teenager to pursue modeling, which also enabled a lucrative acting career. But no matter how far Patricia travels, her thoughts are never far from her people. In creating the Wayúu Tayá Foundation, Patricia and her friends hope to help improve the lives of Latin-American indigenous people while maintaining and respecting their traditions, culture, and beliefs. But what separates this foundation from other development organizations of its kind is the focus it has on the traditional and cultural importance of the people it serves.
Through a multitude of programs, the Wayúu Tayá Foundation is working to preserve the history and culture of the Wayúu people. “We wanted to help, we heard the news that one kid was dying a day. Those are not the statistics now; we have saved thousands of lives,” says Patricia. One of the ways the foundation is helping is through the Roof Project. This program is a “Life Center” that encompasses all aspects of the community to lift up the people and create a place for ambulatory hospital care, preschool education, as well as a women’s center that gives tutorials on traditional handicraft skills. The program also ensures that the children of the area receive two meals a day, and provides the Wayúu women with access to education, family planning, and parenting classes.
This community center has not only become the epicenter for the tribe, but it has also become the blueprint to be used in other places as the foundation is looking to expand. What started as a very personal cause has developed into a pan-Latin American movement. Says Patricia: “At the end of the day it doesn’t matter if it’s indigenousness or not, we’re just helping people that need help.”
So as you round out your shopping for gifts this year, why not send a greeting card made by one of the Wayúu children to wish someone a warm holiday season or purchase a handmade bag crafted by the women of the tribe for someone you love? Not only will you be giving a special one-of-a-kind gift, but you will also be helping the people of Wayúu Tayá as all proceeds go directly to them.
To find out more about the Wayúu Tayá Foundation and how you can get involved, visit www.wayuutaya.org or view out slideshow.
