Enabling Opportunities for 50 Venezuelan Refugees

Dear colleagues,

As we continue to grow and advance in the economic and social inclusion of the most vulnerable populations in the Americas, we have come to realize how fortunate we are to count on the permanent support of our local partners and you. Your genuine commitment to our cause has allowed us to reach meaningful results.

As you already might know, Venezuela remains in a perplexing socio-economic and humanitarian situation that has forced millions of hard-working Venezuelans out of their countries in pursuit of better opportunities. We recognize the sacrifice and the courage that leaving one's country requires. Therefore, our POETA centers keep lending these people a hand to ease their challenges and make them thrive in their host communities. Thanks to your help, we've given training in crucial skills of the 21st-century economy such as digital and entrepreneurial skills to hundreds of Venezuelan migrants. As we celebrate Women's Month, we want to highlight the story of Yasmin, a Venezuelan woman and migrant who is an example of our far-reaching achievements.

"Deciding to migrate was not easy" she explained. Yasmin and her family arrived in Colombia with many insecurities. Arriving in a new place without being able to exercise your profession, where it is impossible to find a permanent job, the only option left is to create entrepreneurship, which is a risky but courageous move. Thus, Yasmin and her sister started their own cake shop business, Yexi's Cakes, in Venezuela. However, their hobby became their primary source of income in Medellín. The training that Yasmin received was crucial to boost her venture. From WhatsApp Business to selling on social media platforms, the training allowed them to expand their business and better know the wants and needs of their clients. Just like that, we further empowered two strong women and strengthened them in crucial skills that will make them confident and prepared for the following steps to take.

Although the donations we have been receiving are going at a low pace, our efforts and communications campaigns remain committed to keep changing the lives of more Venezuelans, so we reiterate that your support remains crucial to achieving our goals.

In 2021, we came to master the hybrid-model operations, but we never stopped learning. Every day, we continue to grasp the best practices to keep improving and providing the best services to the beneficiaries of our POETA centers. As we continue to grow in centers and countries, the impact on Venezuelan migrants and refugees also increases, so we are honored to keep counting on your support always!

We are beyond enthusiastic to see what 2022 will bring is us because, indeed, "we have achieved a lot, and we are coming for more."

Thank YOU!