Supporting New Arrivals from Venezuela to Colombia

This International Women's Day, IsraAID honored all the different ways that women around the world hold up their communities. By investing in their skills, knowledge, and education, we equip women with the vital tools to secure a more promising tomorrow.

Yusmeri, a Venezuelan migrant and mother of seven living in Colombia, exemplifies the transformative power of IsraAID's Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship program. Through the program, Yusmeri was able to grow her business and used her newly acquired skills to adapt when unforeseen circumstances forced her to close her fried food stand. She transitioned to a successful door-to-door meat sales business and now acts as a mentor in IsraAID’s programs, supporting other women in the community as they develop their businesses.  Yusmeri is an advocate for all the members of the community, working to help others settle their immigration status, and dreams of creating a youth program for young people in her community.  

“IsraAID gave me new resources to foster my business: They showed me how to promote my business, taught me how to save, how to build my budget. All of that helped me a lot. I may not be a successful entrepreneur yet, but I’m already on my way. There are a lot of people who live day-to-day, and the salary they earn isn’t enough for a good standard of living. I want to implement the strategies I’ve learned to help them so that they can be sure that food reaches their tables every day. I dream of owning a big market one day so I can feed the families in my community.”

We are grateful for your continued generosity that enables us to support and celebrate women like Yusmeri who are building bright futures for themselves and those who are dear to them. 

Links:

• Read more about inspiring women like Yusmeri on our blog!