Family reunification for Venezuelan siblings in Colombia means never being alone again
Carlos* (9) and Felipe* (12), brothers from Venezuela, arrived in Colombia in 2022 with their father, seeking a better future. Settling in Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, their father found work in a mine. After a few months, the boys became separated from him, leaving them alone and far from their family and homeland.
A caring stranger steps in
A woman from a religious community stepped in to care for Carlos and Felipe, providing them with a home, food, love, and access to education. When enrolling them in school, she was informed of the need to formalize their legal status as minors.
Seeking guidance, she approached the relevant authorities, who determined that Carlos and Felipe were unaccompanied migrant children separated from their family of origin.
The role of SOS Children's Villages and the A Tu Lado project
The brothers were referred to a reception centre, and the administrative authority handling their case forwarded it to SOS Children's Villages, who, through the A Tu Lado (On Your Side) project, initiated a family reunification process.
The A Tu Lado project supports vulnerable populations by building local capacities and implementing strategies to enhance wellbeing. It focuses on preventing and addressing gender-based violence, strengthening child protection systems, and ensuring equitable access to health services.
Path to reunification
SOS Children's Villages developed a comprehensive case plan for Carlos and Felipe, focusing on:
Ensuring their safety and legal rights.
Addressing health and psychosocial needs and securing their immigration status.
Locating their family of origin.
- Assessing the possibility of family reunification and what is in the children’s best interest.
Joy and hope quickly followed when contact was reestablished with Carlos and Felipe’s mother, aunt and grandmother in Venezuela. The family expressed strong interest and willingness to reunite, prompting an assessment of their capacity to provide a safe and nurturing environment. Once it was confirmed that the family could meet the children’s needs, preparations for the reunion began.
The team coordinated the logistics, including selecting the time, date and location for the much-anticipated reunion. The A Tu Lado project provided financial support to cover the travel costs between Venezuela and Colombia, ensuring the family could reunite without financial burden.
The joy of reuniting with family
The long-awaited moment of reunification finally arrived. Cindy from SOS Children's Villages Colombia described it as a highly emotional experience:
"The siblings had not seen their mother for two years. When the family arrived in Colombia, and the children saw and hugged their mum, aunt, grandmother and cousins again, their happiness was immense. They were happier than ever and were grateful for everything SOS Children's Villages and the A Tu Lado project did for them.
For Cindy, the importance of family reunification for unaccompanied or separated migrant children is perfectly captured by what Felipe said to her:
"Thank you for bringing me back to my family; I will never be alone again."
A new chapter begins
Today, Carlos and Felipe are happily reunited with their family in Venezuela. They have found peace, resumed playing football, and are ready to continue their education. SOS Children's Villages remains in contact with the family, providing ongoing support.
This story highlights the profound impact of solidarity and the coordinated efforts of those who believe every child belongs in the loving embrace of their family. For Cindy, a dedicated member of SOS Children's Villages Colombia, witnessing their happiness is a powerful reminder of the importance of the A Tu Lado project:
"The work we do is very beautiful, very rewarding. Seeing children reunited with their families fills my soul. Knowing they are safe, cared for, and will never be alone again, is the most beautiful thing of all.”
*Names changed to protect privacy.