Maikol’s Journey: Finding Opportunity After Hardship

The past few years have been challenging for Maikol, a Venezuelan migrant now living in Colombia. Like millions of others, he was compelled to leave his homeland due to ongoing political conflict, making the difficult decision to seek stability elsewhere.

A Career Disrupted

Before leaving Venezuela, Maikol built a career as a credit analyst in the banking sector. He also gained experience in customer service, call centers, sales, and as a cashier. However, the crisis at home forced him to uproot his life and search for opportunities abroad.

His first stop was Peru, where he lived for two and a half years. Without legal documentation, Maikol took on informal jobs, including loading and unloading trucks and working as a motorbike taxi driver. The COVID-19 pandemic added to his struggles, making life increasingly unstable. Determined to improve his circumstances, Maikol set his sights on Colombia, hoping to legalize his status and find a stable job.

A Helping Hand from Cuso International

During an interview for a temporary job in Colombia, Maikol’s path crossed with Cuso International. The organization followed his journey closely, identifying barriers that could prevent him from securing permanent employment, such as adapting to a new work environment, transportation issues, and housing challenges. When necessary, Cuso provided cash assistance to ease these obstacles.

“They were always looking out for me,” Maikol shared gratefully.

Building a New Future

This support was part of Cuso International’s Sustainable Colombian Opportunities for Peacebuilding and Employment (SCOPE) project. The initiative has empowered women, youth, conflict survivors, and Venezuelan migrants by connecting them with formal employment opportunities across Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador.

Between 2015 and its conclusion in 2024, SCOPE trained 23,643 individuals and facilitated formal employment for 14,723 people—60% of them women, 79% youth, 34% Venezuelan migrants, and 14% conflict survivors. The project also strengthened 1,674 micro-enterprises.

A Year of Progress

Today, Maikol has been working for Luker Chocolate in Bogotá for over a year. He feels welcomed and included in his new role.

“I have felt quite well here. As an immigrant, I have experienced no discrimination and have adapted well to the work environment and its processes,” he said.

Maikol is eager to continue learning the technical aspects of chocolate production, such as weighing ingredients and injecting products into molds.

“To Cuso International: thank you very much for the support you have given us!”

Maikol’s journey illustrates how opportunity, combined with dedicated support, can transform lives and build brighter futures, even in the face of immense challenges.