Stories of hope:

Refugees and migrants in Ecuador

People who displace their home countries often lose their homes, livelihoods, and basic rights. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provides essential support, including legal aid, temporary shelter, food, and sanitation, to help them reclaim their rights. This aid also facilitates integration into host countries and helps break the cycle of displacement. Providing access to identity documents is a crucial step, as it significantly increases the likelihood of people staying and successfully rebuilding their lives.

Read their powerful stories of survival and hope:

After armed groups in Colombia killed my brother and threatened me, I had to flee. When I first got to Ecuador, I was terrified of being sent back. But with your support, I got my visa and no longer have to live in fear of deportation. Thank you for your help, and to Ecuador for giving me refuge.

Jhorman, a Colombian man.

Your support helped me get my ID card, which allowed me to finally look for a formal job. You also made a huge difference by helping us with the rent when we were about to be evicted. You gave us the chance to stay here. We dream of working, buying land, and building our own house here in Ecuador.

María, a Colombian woman who lived in a conflict-affected area.

When I arrived in Ecuador two years ago, I had nowhere to live and I washed my clothes and bathed in the rivers. Thanks to your support, I was able to get information and guidance to obtain my permanent visa. Now I have a job with social security, a higher salary, and I see myself progressing. My life has changed for the better, and I feel good.

Christian, a Venezuelan man.

With your help, I was able to get my visa and ID, which allowed me to keep my restaurant job. My wife and children are with me now, and our hope is to buy a house so we can have a more secure and stable life here in Ecuador.

Janderson, a Venezuela man.

After my visa was initially rejected, I was lost and didn't know what to do. I didn't want to leave Ecuador, where I've been living and working for a telephone company since 2020. Thanks to your guidance, I was able to get my visa. I'm so grateful for your help, and I now dream of opening my own cybercafé soon.

Idalys, a Cuban woman.

Two months ago, my wife, our three children, and my niece and I fled our home. With no relatives here in Ecuador, we were extremely vulnerable. Your information on protection and aid was crucial, as it helped us start the refugee documentation process and get our humanitarian visas so we could stay in the country.

Colombian man who prefers to protect his identity.

My family and I arrived in Ecuador five months ago with no money for rent. Your support was essential, giving my two daughters a temporary home. My husband doesn't have a steady job yet, but we feel safe and calm here in Ecuador.

Eliany, a Venezuela woman.

I was out of school for six months, but thanks to your support, I returned a month ago and am so happy. I made many friends on the first day, and I love being at school because the teachers take good care of us. My favourite subject is math, and I love playing sports.

Michael, an 8-year-old boy from Colombia.

I'm a single mother from Colombia with no family in Ecuador, but thanks to your help, I've always felt supported. I was able to get my documents, my children received school kits, and I participated in leadership workshops where I felt integrated into my community. I want to learn more about these issues so I can help others like me. Sometimes people don't know how to access their rights, and all the information we received is essential.

Karen, a Colombian woman.

Your support helped me get my visa and ID card, which are essential for me to settle here in Ecuador. My dream is to start my own donut business. What began as a hobby has turned into a business, and people love them. I know I can make my business successful.

Hayzkel, a Venezuelan woman.

When we arrived in Ecuador a year ago, my kids missed months of school. But with your support, they were able to get enrolled and received school kits that helped us so much. They also joined the reinforcement program and loved the painting and games. This workshop is amazing—it means a lot to me that they are building their knowledge and character.

Karen, a Venezuelan woman.

I participated in the community workshops, and my favourite topic was leadership. I connected with many people, and we learned important things like how to prevent xenophobia and protect our rights. We worked together on positive activities that help us improve our quality of life as migrants. This experience has been very valuable for my integration since I arrived here six months ago with my four children.

Carolina, a Venezuelan woman.

I arrived in Ecuador five years ago and participated in a leadership workshop with other women where we shared information about our rights. We strengthened our ability to prevent violence. A united community can help its members, especially young people, and as community leaders, we can propose ideas to improve our lives and support each other.

Neudis, a Venezuelan woman.

When I lost my job, I was at risk of being evicted and having to sleep on the streets with my two children. But with your help paying the rent, I was able to give my family more stability.

Ana, a Colombian woman.

Eriana (35) and her three daughters, Eriannys (7), Kelianny (11), and Maria Cristina (13), are now enrolled in school after years of not attending. Seven years ago, Eriana left Venezuela, and her children stayed behind with their grandmother. The girls dropped out of school and joined their mother in Ecuador three years ago, where they remained out of school until they were recently enrolled. They are now participating in academic activities in Quito.