Supporting families on the move
Imagine being a five-year old again, full of wonder, excitement, and imagination. Imagine how much joy you would have playing with your toys, exploring the world around you, and feeling safe and loved by your family. Now, imagine leaving the only place you know as home because of widespread violence and economic turmoil. At such a young age, this can be so confusing and scary; however, it is a reality for children like Alix*.
Alix and her family loved their home in Venezuela, but it was no longer a safe place for them to live. The economic crisis, high crime rate, and a shortage of food and medicines has caused many families, like hers, to make new homes in neighbouring countries including Colombia and Peru.
After selling many of their items, like earrings and even toys, the family made the seven-day journey to Peru. They had to walk through highlands, causing the children to become very sick due to the elevation. Alix’s mother, Valeria*, had to carry her youngest daughter for a portion of the trip since her little legs got tired quickly.
Making a new home together as a family
Once Alix’s family arrived in Peru, they had to begin the daunting task of starting again, including looking for work, a safe place to live, and a sense of community. Many migrant families experience discrimination and prejudice in their new home country, creating feelings of isolation as they adjust to a new place and culture.
In Peru, the entire family, including parents, children, and their grandmother, crammed together in a tiny apartment, sharing a single bedroom. Valeria tried her best to cope and maintain a regular family life even though they had lost all of their possessions.
Alix (centre) pictured with her family. The entire family, including her grandmother, lives in a small one-bedroom apartment in Lima, Peru.
Save the Children supports families on the move
Save the Children launched a humanitarian response program in Peru for Venezuelan refugees. Families like Alix’s were able to receive cash payments to help buy food and other necessities. Also, the children attended sessions at a Child Friendly Space set up by Save the Children to help support them mentally and emotionally with any trauma they faced from fleeing their home.
Valeria said, “With the cash transfer, I could pay back my loan, buy food, buy some toys for the children – a kitchen set and a doctor’s set. So that way the children could also get something fun! I took them to the movies for the first time when we got a second cash transfer, so they could have fun because kids need that.”
Based on research, giving families money is the most effective way to help. Families know what they need, whether it be food, rent, furniture or toys. The money provides the freedom to buy whatever is most needed for basic survival, and for the mental and social health of children. The program has reached thousands of people, including vulnerable adults and children.
May 15 is International Day of Families
During the 1980s, the United Nations began focusing attention on issues related to the family, and in 1993, May 15 was declared International Day of Families. This day is an opportunity to raise awareness around issues relating to families worldwide and a time to increase knowledge around any social, economic, or demographic developments that affect the family unit.
Families like Alix’s across the globe have no choice but to move for better opportunities and sometimes to seek safety. To help us continue to support families like these, please click here
*names have been changed for privacy