A community initiative in Chaguanas, supported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and led by Lucia Cabrera-Jones of the Women-Owned Media and Education Network (WOMEN), is fostering understanding between locals and migrants. Lucia, a Cuban migrant herself, explains the program's role: Troubles between migrants and locals often arise out of a misunderstanding of cultures," she says. "The program facilitates dialogue that fosters mutual understanding through shared experiences."
In the last quarter of 2024, Trinidad and Tobago, host to 36,000 Venezuelan migrants and refugees on search for a better life. For many these capacity-building opportunities are an open door to labor and financial inclusion, fostering economic independence. Inclusion and self-sufficiency are key for migrants and the communities that welcome them the article states. Since 2023, IOM has equipped nearly 1,450 migrants and local community members with essential skills facilitating pathways for sustainable employment or self-employment
Participants are learning new skills as hydroponic farming and practical tools while building connections with the host community. Programs like Flourish highlight how skill-sharing fosters respect and creates opportunities for all, building stronger, inclusive communities.
A participant from Venezuela says she plans to set up a small version at home, and eventually expand it throughout Venezuela. The program is helping her integrate into the community. "Mixing participants is a fantastic idea. It enables us to learn from the host community while they learn from us.
Source: IOM | The storyteller