Colombia – When Yaritza left Venezuela for Colombia in 2020, her dream was simple: to build a better life for her family. She didn’t know at the time that this journey would also ignite a deeper purpose: to offer health support and hope to her new neighbours in Santa Marta, in northern Colombia.
“I found people who helped me, and helped me to help others,” Yaritza says.
On the southwestern side of the country, in the city of El Hormiguero, Luci was also starting over. Originally from Buenaventura, she was building a new life not just for herself and her family, but also for the broader community, helping neighbours welcome newcomers with open arms. Over time, Luci has become a pillar of social cohesion, working side by side with both host and migrant communities.
Yaritza, a community health promoter in Santa Marta, shares her knowledge to improve health and well-being among children in her neighborhood. Photo: IOM 2025/José Cajías
Both women, equally strong and resilient, were driven by a passion to serve and found purpose as community leaders. Through the Community Health Network (Red Comunitaria de Salud), part of CoNexo, a project supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), they have emerged as agents of change in their communities.
“Through this process, we are learning to be part of the solution,” says Yaritza. Luci adds, “Now we have the tools to develop real projects for our people.”
Together, they are leading local initiatives, engaging young people, and promoting equitable access to health and education.
Yaritza leads a health workshop for local women in Santa Marta, sharing tools she gained through IOM’s training programme. Photo: IOM 2025/José Cajías
Yaritza: From preschool teacher to community health leader
Yaritza's journey into leadership began when she joined her community’s action board. There, she seized the opportunities offered by IOM, learning about health promotion, psychological first aid, and communication strategies.
“I can now talk to people about health in a holistic way,” she explains. “This knowledge allows me to support children and adolescents in schools, raise awareness, and prevent violence.”
A former preschool teacher with a passion for mental health, Yaritza is now working with other leaders on a health promotion project that will roll out across Santa Marta in 2025. Her efforts are bringing much-needed services into schools and public spaces throughout the city.
Luci speaks with local women and IOM staff in El Hormiguero, fostering community dialogue and collaboration through the Community Health Network. Photo: IOM 2025/Paola Cumbe
Luci: Building bridges in El Hormiguero
Luci’s path to leadership also began with a desire to give back. Like Yaritza, she became an active member of her community’s action board and joined IOM’s Community Health Network. Through workshops on maternal health, psychosocial support, and more, she discovered new ways to serve her community.
“They taught us how to care for pregnant women, support mental health, and mentor young people.”
Luci played a key role in creating another local initiative: Uniendo Fronteras, realizando sueños, a dynamic group that brings migrants and host community leaders together to develop integration plans and promote peaceful coexistence. From soccer tournaments to community cooking events, Luci’s focus is on celebrating cultures, building trust, and creating connections between Venezuelans and Colombians.
Yaritza leads a health session for children in Santa Marta, drawing on skills gained through community leadership and health promotion training. Photo: IOM 2025/José Cajías
Building better futures for everyone
The stories of Luci and Yaritza remind us that migration is not just about movement. It is about resilience, leadership, and the power of community.
“We must keep working together for our community,” says Luci. “Well-being should be a priority for all of us.”
Yaritza and Luci are just two of many Venezuelan women who, with support from IOM and KOICA, are transforming their communities. Their stories are a powerful reminder that when women are given the right tools, they build bridges, foster unity, and pave the way for brighter futures for themselves, their families, and everyone around them.
This story was written by Sharon Benrey, Communications Officer with IOM Colombia.
