Marist volunteers in the Amazon welcome Venezuelan immigrants and offer formation of leaders

During January and February, the holiday period in Brazil, 14 volunteers from the Brazil Sul-Amazonia province committed themselves to projects working to defend human rights, the promotion of life and care of the Common House. Divided into four groups, the volunteers have been active in the cities of Boa Vista (Roraima), Rio Gregorio (Acre) and Labrea (Amazonas). In January, the work focused on Venezuelan immigrants in the city of Boa Vista. In February, attention is directed to indigenous and local communities in the towns of Labrea and Rio Gregorio.

Giving welcome and help to immigrants

According to UNICEF data, an estimated 32,000 Venezuelans live in Boa Vista and this figure increases every day.

Marist volunteers in Boa Vista worked in organisations and projects offering welcome to Venezuelans and doing whatever possible to improve their social circumstances so they can start a new life in Brazil. Initiatives carried out in area are coordinated by different church and civil organisations.

Marists are responsible for the development of the project “Human Rights and Children on the Move” which serves, on average, 40 Venezuelan children every day. The volunteers help to run workshops and recreational activities organized for the smallest among them. According to volunteer Olga Chelkanoff, the interaction that takes place during the activities demonstrates the significant impact that the migration crisis has caused.

People’s education and leadership training

In February, volunteers work with indigenous and local communities in Labera and Río Gregorio.

The main activities focus on popular education and the formation of pastoral leaders. All work is carried out in collaboration with the Church and the local community – in municipal schools and church communities.