Venezuela’s Crisis Felt in Boa Vista
News from Venezuela has brought fear and uncertainty to refugee families in Boa Vista. The KLABU clubhouse has adapted to become, now more than ever, a vital safe space where the community can support each other.
On 3 January 2026, many of us woke up surprised and concerned by the news coming out of Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. For KLABU members in Boa Vista, however, these developments were not only shocking but profoundly worrying, as many felt deeply affected and distressed about being far from their loved ones who remain in the country.
The Boa Vista clubhouse has always been a place of joy, movement, and connection, but now more than ever it has also become an essential community refuge.
Over recent weeks, both the use of the space around the clubhouse and the dynamics within it have shifted. At the moment, there are fewer tournaments or high-energy activities taking place. Instead, the clubhouse has become a space to unwind and support one another.
During the day, men are gathering to play football, and in the evenings women and members of the LGBTQ+ community come together to play volleyball. Focus groups with the LGBTQ+ community are also taking place, alongside beauty and wellbeing sessions that have created moments of self-expression.
The community shows that beyond just being a sports club, the clubhouse can and should be a vital community space for expression, distraction, and care amid daily worries.
Community member Paola took the lead on organising new activities. From organising beauty contests to fashion shows, and moments of singing and dancing, she has perfectly engaged with the clubhouse’s full potential.
Paola getting her nails done at the beauty workshop
"The hardest part is that my family is there and I am here. KLABU helps me reduce my anxiety. Sport helps you find yourself again. It helps you focus and keep going. KLABU is a free and safe space. Through sport and community activities, we can dream again, even when every day feels like a struggle."
