A space in Tulcán for the inclusion and empowerment of children and adolescents

"Walking between sun and cold, sometimes it hurts me, but I get up and keep going", sings José Luis (15), who found in music the way to express his emotions and the experiences he has lived since he left Venezuela in search of a better future and with the aim of helping his family, especially his mother.

A year ago, José Luis traveled alone from Venezuela. Like him, many adolescents undertake this risky journey in which they must walk from sunrise to sunset and sleep wherever they find themselves once night falls. They are exposed to intense cold and heat, and travel rugged trails to reach their destination. They experience situations that no child or adolescent should have to go through, much less alone.

Upon arriving in Tulcán, José Luis found a place where he has been able to feel protected and sheltered after going through periods of anguish and uncertainty. "For me it has been very important to participate in the workshops and activities because when you arrive in a new place you are alone, you don't know many people and you don't talk to anyone. Coming here I have learned to live together, to talk, to lose my fear and to socialize," says the young Venezuelan.

José Luis talks about the Integral Support Space in Tulcán, a place set up by UNICEF with the support of ECHO (European Commission for Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection), the Government of Canada and the BPRM (Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration) of the Government of the United States of America, which has enabled the integration of adolescents who are in the context of human mobility in Ecuador.

"I have participated in photography, dance and visual arts workshops. One of the activities I enjoyed the most was making a video clip for Youth Day. I had the role of singing some verses. After this experience, I am sure that I would like to be a singer in the future. Well I would like to be, no, I am going to be a singer," says the teenager with determination.

When José Luis arrived alone in Tulcán, his first need was to work in order to help his family. After his participation and integration in the workshops, José Luis also wants to resume his studies and continue in the dance and singing workshops. He is currently receiving support and is in the process of re-entering school again.

Making friends has also been one of the most fun parts of participating in the ISS activities. José Luis says he met his best friend, Xavier, in the photography workshops. "We are very close, I consider him as a brother. Today we even came dressed almost the same," he says with a laugh.

"Here you can be yourself."

Xavier, 15, walks the corridors of the Integral Support Space with ownership and confidence. He stands out with his blond hair, accessories and constant joy. "Here I feel that I can be myself. Before, when I went to a public space, I couldn't wear earrings because people would look at me weirdly, but here I can wear whatever I want without anything or anyone judging me," he says.

This Venezuelan teenager has had the joy of participating in the activities since the start of the ISS three years ago, and is even the protagonist of one of the murals painted in the internal courtyards. His portrait stands out in the painting and is accompanied by a Colombian teenager who also attends the workshops. "It portrays the unity that was absent and now is present among all of us who are part of this group," he explains.

Xavier assures that the three years he has been in Tulcán have been the best of his life. "Here I have gotten to know new friends, new places that I had no idea existed before. At first I didn't have much hope about coming to the Integral Support Space, but in the end I did like it and here I am," he says.

The friendship with José Luis has also meant good times for Xavier. "I met him at the photography workshop six months ago. We just saw each other and we knew we would be friends. Although we are very different, we spend a lot of time together. He has taught me about sports and I didn't know anything about them and now I enjoy them," adds Xavier.

Xavier's progress has also been remarkable. According to Alejandra, who facilitates the visual arts workshops, Xavier was shy and was going through a stage where adolescents are seeking their place and acknowledging their identity. "He is very empowered, he is not afraid to show himself as he is. He is always energetic, cheerful and with a good attitude to participate in all the activities," concludes the facilitator.

About the Integral Support Space ISS

At the Integral Support Space (ISS), located in the border city of Tulcán, UNICEF and partner organizations offer services to Ecuadorian children, adolescents and families and those in the context of human mobility, to promote their rights, peaceful coexistence and integration. This is a place for everyone, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, gender or other differences. 

Here, ISS users can access information provided by public institutions and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on rights, access to services such as education, health, legal paperwork and refugee application procedures. Protection messages for the prevention of human trafficking, human smuggling and gender-based violence. are also delivered.

The ISS also has other spaces and services:

• Identification of families who need to receive "Baby Kits" with diapers, diaper cream, wet wipes and masks. 
• Breastfeeding room certified by the Ministry of Health's network of breastfeeding centers, where breastfeeding is encouraged through talks and activities.
• Reading room, put together with the Red Cross.
• Vaccination days.
• Space for processes of re-establishing family contact through international calls.
• PCR tests for COVID-19 detection are performed for people in the context of human mobility. 
• Livelihood services, psychosocial support and legal counseling are offered.
• Cultural workshops.
• Child and adolescent friendly space.