Sofa9a's journey from Venezuela to ColombiaCEFR B1
26 Oct 2025
Adapted from Melissa Vida, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by David Restrepo, Unsplash
Venezuelan migration rose because of many problems at home: economic crisis, shortages of food and medicine, insecurity, few jobs and limited education. In 2021 about 1.84 million people migrated to Colombia. The UN Refugee Agency projects that by 2025 up to 7.9 million people may have left Venezuela.
After they crossed the Arauca River, the family paid 130,000 pesos per person for a car ride (about USD 33). The mother began selling on the street without formal documents; the work paid little and her health was fragile. In April 2021 the mother entered intensive care and they feared the cost, but the hospital finally agreed to cover the expenses. During this time they received both help and discrimination.
In 2022 the Colombian government offered a Temporary Protection Permit that allowed migrants to access health services and register with a Health Promotion Entity (EPS). Sofa9a and her mother completed the paperwork, but only Sofa9a's application was approved. The mother's health worsened and they returned to Venezuela in early 2023.
Difficult words
- migrate — to move from one country to another.migration
- discrimination — unfair treatment based on group.
- vendor — someone who sells goods or services.
- resources — supplies or materials needed.
- challenges — difficult tasks or problems.
- identity — the qualities defining a person.
- compassion — care and concern for others.
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How do you think migration affects families?
- What can communities do to support migrants?
- In what ways can identity be important in a person’s life?
