Evolution of FUNBIP

The Bolivarian Foundation for Penitentiary Research (FUNBIP) was officially founded in 2009, building on a foundation of voluntary social work that began in 1999. These early efforts were led by Dr. Marco Tulio Vargas Rosales, a specialist in penitentiary studies, pedagogy, and human rights—and a Black Belt in Hapkido. What started in 1999 as a penitentiary rehabilitation initiative has since grown into a comprehensive organization committed to developing human potential, empowering communities, and on generating opportunities for underprivileged groups in Venezuela.

FUNBIP's Presence Across Venezuela

Our work began primarily in the Caucagüita Parish of Caracas, Venezuela, where initiatives were developed by and for the local community. Over time, FUNBIP has expanded its efforts to other areas of Caracas and across Venezuela - particularly within the penitentiary sector in the following cities and states:

📍Caracas, Capital District in the penitentiary field (Casa de Reeducación y Trabajo Artesanal and Internado Judicial La Planta).

📍Miranda State

• Internado Judicial de la Región Capital Rodeo I, II and III

• Centro Penitenciario de la Región Capital YARE I, II and III

• Instituto Nacional de Orientación Femenino (women's prison)

📍Care Entities for Adolescents in conflict with criminal law in Caracas, Capital District

• Ciudad Caracas Care Entity located in El Cementerio Parish

• Coche Care Entity located in Coche Parish

• José Gregorio Hernández Care Entity located in Antimano Parish

📍San Juan de los Morros, Guárico State

• Penitenciaría General de Venezuela

📍Aragua State

• Centro Penitenciario de Aragua (Tocoron)