Adolescents

Wilneydis (11) and her brother Félix (16) decided to accompany their father Wilfredo (53) on his trip to Colombia in search of better opportunities. The decision involved saying goodbye to their mother and their siblings, leaving school and moving away from their friends in Maracaibo, Venezuela. After the separation of their parents, they arrived…, A new life plan , On top of financial assistance, the social workers helped the family to design a life plan to settle in the country. Wilfredo, Wilneydis and Félix's life plan had very clear objectives: to have their own home and continue studying. Ten months after arriving in Ecuador, these goals have been met, although there is still a long way to go.  The…, A team that dreams of a better future , The daily routine is always the same. Little “Meru”, as her father calls her, waters the plants while Félix prepares the tools to help his father and Wilfredo cooks “arepas” for breakfast. Everyone helps at home and the children support their father in a venture to make chairs, flowerpots and pet beds from old tires. “I never leave her alone. She…

Mirlenis Navas (18) and Elio Noel Gamaz (21) met in Colombia. She lived with her family in a small house in the border city of Cúcuta. He was looking for opportunities in this same city to which he had migrated some time ago with his father. They were teenagers and had many things in common, including their status as migrants and the same homeland…, A comprehensive response to address the urgency, In 2018, in response to the migration situation, UNICEF Ecuador, through the Social Inclusion Programme and in coordination with other agencies of the United Nations system, launched a program of unconditional monetary transfers, called the Integral Protection Program for migrant families and Refugees with children and adolescents in Ecuador (PPI…, Aid multiplies, Two years after arriving in Lago Agrio, Mirlenis and Elio tell their story sitting in the place they rent to live and work: a house that is their home, their bicycle workshop and their barbershop. With great effort, dedication and the support of the organizations, the family managed to get on with their business. The journey has not been easy.…, Building a future together, When Marlon Diosnel, Mirlenis and Elio's baby, was born, they received a single payment of 130 dollars for comprehensive development and initial education. As part of this help, they also learned about positive parenting guidelines, childcare, nutrition, breastfeeding, violence prevention, family roles, and responsibilities. They also had access…

"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…, "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…, 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,…, 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…