The Journey of a Venezuelan Refugee

Since Venezuela’s collapse in the mid-2010s, millions have fled their homes, many crossing Colombia on foot.

Families, often with young children, walk for days along highways and mountain passes with little food or shelter, enduring hunger, exhaustion, and harsh weather.

Their journeys reflect both the desperation of leaving everything behind and the fragile hope of rebuilding life beyond the border.

These refugees are called “caminantes” or “walkers”

Colombia’s roads have become a living testimony to the courage and suffering of those forced to walk them.

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View fullsize This year and with our fundraiser, we’re focusing on four key goals to strengthen our support for caminantes and the local community in Pamplona: 1. Improve Our Clinic: Many caminantes rely on our clinic for essential medical care. Thus, we w
View fullsize In Venezuela, Manuel worked as a welder, metalworker, and builder, but a lack of employment opportunities and resources made it impossible to be independent, so he left. When asked what was the hardest thing to leave behind, he says: “My famil
View fullsize OTGI is fully funded by private donations, and 100% of the money goes to supporting our projects. Every contribution, big or small makes a difference! Please consider supporting our fundraiser: donorbox.org/steps-in-solidarity-with-venezuelan-migran
View fullsize When speaking with Venezuelans, most cite extreme inflation as the main reason they were forced to leave their country. With basic necessities and healthcare becoming unaffordable, many see no option but to seek a better life elsewhere. Lacking the
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View fullsize Douglas built his shelter entirely from scratch. Located right at the entrance of Pamplona, it’s the first place that caminantes arriving from Cúcuta encounter. Many decide to rest there for the night, making it a vital stop on their jou
View fullsize Vanessa’s shelter is based in Pamplona. As such, it is located on the main migration route between Cúcuta and Bucaramanga. Every day, it provides safety, rest, and support for people making this difficult journey. OTGI works very closel