Fratelli Maicao: a ray of hope in times of adversity

Maicao, a town in the La Guajira department, is directly experiencing the challenges of the migration crisis. Since the Venezuelan migration wave, the city has transformed into a reception center for migrants due to its proximity to the border. Over the years, it has received a constant influx of Venezuelan migrants and returnees, with staggering figures: over 44,000 migrants in 2017, around 61,000 in 2018, and 38,000 in 2019. This growing influx of migrants has had a significant impact on the city. Due to the lack of economic resources, some migrants have settled in Maicao over the past five years. They live on invaded lands, building makeshift houses from cardboard and plastic, contributing to increased unemployment, mortality, malnutrition, and poverty rates. The impact of the migration crisis in Maicao has further exacerbated the pre-existing social problems in this border region. By the end of 2019, more than 4.5 million Venezuelans had left their country due to the crisis, and the number continues to grow every day. This exodus is the largest displacement in recent Latin American history, comparable only to the Syrian crisis. These migrants face conditions of extreme vulnerability, requiring special attention to address their unique needs.

For all the reasons mentioned, the Congregations of the Marist Brothers and the De La Salle Brothers have created the Fratelli Maicao Project and established an ad hoc Council, composed of two Marist Brothers (Brother Valdicer Civa Fachi and Brother Oscar Martin Vicario) and two Lasallian Brothers (Brother Carlos Gomez and Brother Sergio Leal), to make joint decisions related to the Project and its related activities. In this scenario, FMSI (Marist Foundation for International Solidarity) and De La Salle Solidaridad Internacional, the NGOs of the Marist and Lasallian Congregations, have initiated project presentation and fundraising activities to bring the dream of Fratelli Maicao to life. Thanks to the support of the first of many donors – Aid to the Church in Need – it is now possible to launch the Project.

The Fratelli Maicao Project follows in the footsteps of Fratelli Lebanon, a project carried out by the Congregations of the Marist Brothers and the De La Salle Brothers in Lebanon since 2016. It is crucial to highlight that the Fratelli Maicao Project represents the only Religious presence in Maicao since four Brothers are already working in the area to support the vulnerable population.

The Fratelli Maicao Project is a beacon of hope in times of adversity. In response to the growing migration crisis and the extreme vulnerability faced by Venezuelan migrants, returning Colombians, and the Wayuu population in Maicao, this initiative stands as an unwavering commitment to solidarity and humanitarian aid. The project focuses on a group of settlements known as Paiwachi – Wayaa, home to over 797 families, including Wayuu and Venezuelan immigrant and returning Colombian communities. These settlements are characterized by a lack of basic services, precarious housing made from recycled materials, and limited access to education. Moreover, minors have interrupted their education due to migration challenges, putting them at a disadvantage in accessing formal education.

In this context, the Fratelli Maicao Project aims to provide comprehensive education and social inclusion for migrant children and youth. This includes basic services like educational reintegration for children and youth and support for Wayuu communities and migrants. Additionally, the project seeks to address the documentation of migrants and promote social inclusion. The Fratelli Maicao Project stands as a beacon of hope, extending a helping hand to those who have faced adverse conditions. Through the collaboration of the Marist and Lasallian Religious Congregations, this initiative represents an unwavering commitment to solidarity and human dignity in times of difficulty. The Fratelli Maicao Project embodies the spirit of solidarity and the search for solutions in a world where adversity and displacement have touched millions of people. Through this project, humanitarian aid is sought to build a brighter future for vulnerable families in Maicao. Amid the crisis, a ray of hope rises, a demonstration that together we can overcome the most overwhelming challenges and remember the shared humanity we possess. The Fratelli Maicao Project is a testimony to compassion and action in challenging times.