Dreams on hold, not forgotten: A young Venezuelan migrant’s hope to become a doctor
Across Latin America, millions of children and young people have been forced to leave their homes due to economic hardship, insecurity, or lack of access to basic services. Nowhere is this more visible than in Venezuela, which has triggered one of the largest external displacement crises in the world. For many, education is the first dream they must put on hold. Daniela*, a 25-year-old from Venezuela, knows this struggle all too well. Her story is one of sacrifice and enduring hope for a better future.
From a young age, Daniela dreamed of becoming a doctor to help people where she was born.
In her fourth year of medical school in Venezuela, the country’s economic collapse made it impossible to complete her degree. Inflation, food scarcity, and the breakdown of public services meant she had to make a devastating choice: go hungry or give up her education.
“I had no money to pay for transportation and food," she says.
Starting over in Colombia
Now living in La Guajira, 120 km from her hometown in Venezuela, Daniela is married and has a daughter.
She emigrated to Colombia with her mother and sister after she became pregnant, knowing that proper healthcare would be out of reach if she stayed in Venezuela.
"When I got pregnant, it was difficult to access healthcare. Our financial situation was tough, and my family and I decided to emigrate, to come here."
Although living conditions are still difficult, she does not regret leaving Venezuela in search of safety and opportunity, only that she was unable to complete her medical degree.
Education keeps you moving forward
Daniela believes in the power of education and encourages others not to give up on learning.
“I would tell young people, the children of today, that whatever their circumstances, to keep studying and moving forward,” she says.
Daniela wants to finish her medical training. She is unsure whether she can do so in Colombia or will need to return to Venezuela, but her goal is to carry on.
“I would love to continue my studies. It is certainly my dream to help the Venezuelan people, help the people of my country.”
Dreams like Daniela’s are not forgotten. They endure, shaped by hope and strengthened by determination. Her courage calls on all of us to help create the conditions where no young person’s dream is out of reach.
*Name changed to protect privacy.