Venezuelans risk their lives for a better future

Javier Pérez is a young man from San Cristóbal, in the state of Táchira, a city near the border with Colombia. Since he was a child, he dreamed of becoming an engineer to build a better future for his family. However, as the crisis in Venezuela worsened, his dreams began to seem unattainable. Uncontrolled inflation and food and medicine shortages led him and other Venezuelans to make a drastic decision: risk their lives. for better conditions.

Venezuelans risk their lives for a better future

In the summer of 2022, Javier set out on a journey to Brazil, hoping to find a place where he could continue his studies and help his family. The route was long and dangerous, traversing the Amazon rainforest and crossing borders in extreme conditions. Together with friends, he decided to take the most direct route, but the journey soon turned into a nightmare.

The first challenge was dehydrationThe temperatures in the jungle were unbearable, and the group found themselves short of drinking water. Javier, accustomed to life in San Cristóbal, was not prepared for the extreme heat and lack of resources. They spent days searching for water sources and sometimes had to drink from polluted streams. Dehydration began to take its toll. Javier suffered dizziness, fatigue and intense headaches.

As they continued their journey, the group faced another equally fearsome obstacle: hypothermia. At night, the temperature dropped dramatically. The abrupt changes between hot day and cold night took Javier and his companions by surprise. Without adequate clothing or shelter, they spent sleepless nights, trying to keep warm with improvised blankets and the heat of their bodies. Hypothermia became a real threat.

Survival in the jungle

Despite the adversities, Javier remained united with his companions and was determined to achieve his destiny. His determination was strengthened by the hope of a better future. They helped each other, and shared the little food they had. Every small advance was celebrated as a victory.

The group reached the Brazilian border after weeks of walking. Exhausted and malnourished, they were met by humanitarian organisations who helped them with medical care, food and water. The young man and his friends were treated for dehydration, and informed of available opportunities.

A new beginning

Once in Boa Vista, life began to change for the young man. Upon arriving in the city, he enrolled in a program for immigrants that helped him learn Portuguese and find work. Over time, he got a job at a local store and was able to start saving money to continue his studies.

At university, Javier studied civil engineering. Despite the challenges he faced, he never stopped fighting for his dreams. His experience on the journey taught him the importance of resilience and human strength. In his spare time, the boy became an active volunteer helping other people, telling his story and offering guidance to those in a similar situation.

Venezuelan exodus in Brazil

According to data from the Operation Welcome, More than 800,000 Venezuelans have crossed into Brazil via the northern border in recent years, seeking care, food and new opportunities.