When we are in the midst of a crisis, it can often seem difficult or even impossible—depending on the severity of the situation—to find anything positive amidst the storm. Negativity (or realism, as some might call it) takes hold of us, and we end up suffering not only from the blows of the crisis but also from our own attitude toward what is happening. In that sea of destabilizing situations, we lose objectivity and, at times, even hope.
The Motivation
It’s no secret that Venezuela has been embroiled in a deepening crisis for many years. For some, it has lasted more than a decade; for others, it’s been only two or three years.
What’s certain is that Venezuelans are exhausted, stressed, worried, and battered on all sides. Many feel lost, thinking it’s impossible to overcome this terrible situation. While it may be true that there is still a long road ahead, the journey can be shorter and more manageable if we recognize the importance of each individual. We can make a difference by seeing ourselves as active agents of change rather than passive, powerless spectators.
Andrés Modesto, a 36-year-old from Aragua, embodies this mindset. Proudly from Maracay, known as the “Garden City,” he speaks about Venezuela with the passion and pride of a child describing their mother. To him, “Venezuela is the best country in the world,” and while this sentiment is shared universally about one’s homeland, Andrés radiates an infectious sense of love and responsibility for his nation.
As he says:
“Change begins with oneself. It’s easy to say, but the challenge lies in internalizing it and taking full responsibility for our role as citizens.”
Andrés graduated in Public Policy from the Central University of Venezuela. Since he was young, he has had two great passions for which he is self-taught: writing and photography.
Within these activities, he has left his mark on several projects. These range from modest ones, like the newspaper of the high school where he graduated, to more prominent ones on the web, such as www.planetaurbe.com, www.rumbacaracas.com, and www.culturizando.com, among others.
His project, www.ProximaEstacion.com, was launched in 2004 and has gradually grown and evolved across social media platforms.
#VenezolanosconCorazón
Andrés is a young entrepreneur, noble, idealistic, and a dreamer. His social conscience and dissatisfaction with the daily injustices he sees in the country led him to take his hobby more seriously. This way, he could give a voice and face to those who, in the hustle and bustle of daily life and in our somewhat egocentric and individualistic society, are ignored—or worse, mistreated or denigrated simply for being part of minorities.
Andrés recalls that one day while waiting in a taxi for a friend to go to Caracas, he noticed five little children, aged between 6 and 10, cleaning windshields at a traffic light. When the smallest of the group finished cleaning a windshield, the car owner threw some coins on the ground, leaving the boy’s tiny hands outstretched. Witnessing such a humiliating scene, especially towards a six-year-old child who should have been playing safely at home instead of struggling on the streets for a few coins, Andrés felt indignant and decided to take action.
This is how *Venezolanos con Corazón* (Venezuelans with Heart) was born—a space for reflection, for reconnecting with others, especially those we sometimes choose not to see because they remind us of our societal shortcomings. A space aimed at raising awareness about the struggles of others—people we often pass by without noticing because we’re too caught up in our affairs.
Everything starts with Andrés approaching a person or group that catches his attention. Once he connects with them or at least demonstrates that he means no harm, he introduces himself and asks for permission to photograph them. Essentially, he establishes a personal connection.
He asks them questions, and in many cases, he offers them food or coffee. Most importantly, he gives them his time, empathy, and affection.
Later, at home, Andrés shares a photo on social media accompanied by part of the story, conversation, or interview and a thoughtful reflection.
The Message
Andrés’ words are not overly elaborate; on the contrary, they are simple, sometimes even a bit passionate and naive. Yet, they succeed in stirring emotions, moving people, and truly encouraging reflection and self-evaluation. He invites others to pause and consider that beyond their problems, someone else may be in a worse situation—and that we can do something to help. He immerses readers in the world of the person he portrays, allowing them to see life from their perspective, to realize the other side of the coin, and to understand that everyone is doing their best to move forward and support their families.
For some, what Andrés does may seem trivial or insignificant, but there he is, leading by example—showing that each of us, from our position and abilities, can do something for others and for our country. He raises awareness and inspires others to get involved and seek ways to help those in need.
More and more people are following Andrés on social media, commenting on and sharing his posts. The public’s response is almost always the same.
For Andrés Modesto, the impact of *Venezolanos con Corazón* has been a complete surprise. People offer blessings for his work, congratulate him on his reports, express their emotional reactions to the stories, and thank him for giving a voice to those who need it. He has shown that, despite being in such unfortunate situations, these individuals have much to say and contribute to help rebuild the country.
Little by little, his work has captured the attention of artists, writers, comedians, politicians, and NGOs, both within and outside Venezuela. Gradually, a growing movement is forming—a rising interest in doing more and more for those in need. What began as a space for reporting and raising awareness is evolving. Andrés has managed to secure medical supplies, food, water, and aid for some of his interviewees. He is always willing to go a step further to include those marginalized by society.
Gratitude
It hasn’t been an easy journey. On the contrary, it has been risky. He has been robbed, threatened, censored, and harassed for exposing uncomfortable truths that clash with the interests of powerful individuals.
Is he a romantic? Perhaps a little—or a lot. But he is determined to improve his surroundings because that is how, and only how, countries overcome crises: when each of us understands that, no matter how small, our contribution and effort are important. We cannot keep waiting for someone else to magically solve all our problems.
Nobility, spirit, courage, inspiration, romanticism, determination, and willpower are some of Andrés Modesto’s traits. It must be said: he himself belongs to the group of *Venezolanos con Corazón*. Thank you, Andrés, and thanks to all the *Venezolanos con Corazón*. With everyone’s commitment, we will lift Venezuela out of this difficult moment.
