Of the millions of Venezuelans that have left their country due to the continuous political, economic and social crisis, a large majority of them are young and have settled in neighboring countries of Ecuador and Peru.  These young Venezuelans are often well-educated and capable of employment. However, finding employment in their host countries is a difficult task due to several factors, such as cumbersome degree accreditation processes, residency status and lack of networks.

In Peru, for example, a World Bank Study showed that 42 percent of the Venezuelan migrant population falls between the ages of 18-29; and 57 percent of working-age Venezuelans in Peru have obtained higher education. The study also finds that if Peru incorporates these young, educated migrants into its formal labor market, labor productivity would increase by approximately 3.2 percent.

In Ecuador and Peru, CODEIS aims to empower Venezuelans migrants and host communities to become entrepreneurs and agents of change through its “Young Change Makers Academy,” Through a comprehensive training program, mentorship opportunities and personalized support, CODEIS will equip and empower more than 1,000 beneficiaries, with special focus on women and LGBTIQ+ communities,  to create profitable, sustainable businesses while generating social impact and leading transformation in their communities.