Like the 2.5 million Venezuelans who have entered Colombia in the last eight years, seeking refuge from violence, poverty and a socio-economic crisis, Josveglys and her family had to leave everything they knew behind. Colombia hosts the largest number of refugees and migrants from Venezuela, ranking as the third-largest refugee host country in the world.
For Josveglys, fleeing Venezuela meant losing her friends, home and facing the unknown. Her mother left the country first and settled in Cúcuta, Colombia. The separation was difficult for their family. When Josveglys, her two brothers and mother were finally reunited in Colombia, Josveglys was happy and relieved to be with her whole family again. But settling into their new life in Cúcuta was not easy.
“I came here more than four years ago. I was sad to leave Venezuela: the land where I was born, and where I grew up. Honestly, I was very scared because I didn't think I was going to adapt. There is also sadness for having left many friends.” ~Josveglys
Josveglys faced other hurdles. According to UNHCR, 29% of Venezuelan children living in Colombia are not enrolled in schools due to financial difficulties, while other barriers include lack of adequate documentation and a formal education system that is overwhelmed by the influx of new students. Girls and boys like Josveglys may spend years outside of the classroom, increasing the risk of them falling behind or abandoning their education entirely.
Despite nervousness about fitting in, Josveglys was eager to return to school. However, she soon found out that she needed tutoring to improve her math and reading comprehension if she was to ever set foot in a Colombian classroom. This was a difficult mountain to climb, but one many migrants in Colombia face as close to 80% of ten-year-olds in Latin America and the Caribbean, cannot read or understand a simple text.
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