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Emprende Migrante: A Journey for Female Migrants in Chile

In 2023, the The Human Safety Net in started its journey in Chile. Through the Foundation, PlanVital and Fundación Scalabrini deepened their collaboration, initiating a porogramme supporting migrant women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. This programme, Emprende Migrante, focuses on contributing to personal development and improving the quality of life for migrant women. Let’s explore how the first year of the Chilean journey went.

In the bustling streets of Chilean cities, a quiet revolution is taking place. Over the past three years, Fundación Scalabrini has seen a significant rise in the number of female migrants seeking flexible job opportunities to support their families. This need for flexibility, coupled with a desire for financial independence, sparked a collaborative initiative with The Human safety Net that would change many lives forever. Thus, Emprende Migrante was born.

The Birth of Emprende Migrante

Marcela Anicama, the Project Coordinator at Fundación Scalabrini, remembers the early days of the project vividly. She recounts the growing number of women who needed to balance work with their children's schedules. It was a challenging situation, but it also presented an opportunity. PlanVital, committed to social responsibility through The Human Safety Net, and saw the potential for positive change and joined hands with Fundación Scalabrini to create Emprende Migrante.

"In the last years, we have noticed an increase of female migrants who needed to find a flexible job to accommodate their children's schedules," Marcela explains. "That was the spark that started Emprende Migrante."

The program began with 20 determined women, eager to transform their lives through entrepreneurship. They received not only technical training but also psychological support and financial assistance in the form of seed capital. Today, 18 of those women continue to run their enterprises, some having formalized their businesses and even opened their own shops.

The Power of Collaboration

The success of Emprende Migrante is a proof of the power of collaboration. Employees of PlanVital volunteered their time and expertise through The Human Safety Net, delivering workshops and mentoring sessions that equipped these women with the knowledge they needed to succeed. Each volunteer shared insights from their specific area of work, turning theory into practical skills that the women could apply in their businesses.

"We are grateful to The Human Safety," Marcela says, "which from the first moment accompanied us in the process of providing better life skills to female migrants in Chile."

Voices from the Field

The impact of the program is perhaps best illustrated through the voices of those directly involved. Luis Abril, a dedicated volunteer from PlanVital, describes his experience with a sense of fulfillment.

"Being part of this volunteering has been an unforgettable experience. I have had the opportunity to contribute through my own knowledge and generate a positive impact on the lives of other people."

For the program's beneficiaries, the support they received has been life changing. Jeninder Abreu, who started a gluten-free cookie business, speaks with heartfelt gratitude.

"I’m extremely grateful to PlanVital volunteers. Their knowledge is highly valued, their willingness to help us, and their efforts to open our mentality to know that we can move forward."

Adranny Vargas, who also ventured into the cake-making business, shares a similar sentiment.

"Grateful as always to Fundación Scalabrini for giving us this opportunity to train ourselves to perform better in our work."

A Closer Look at Emprende Migrante

Emprende Migrante is more than just a training program; it’s a comprehensive initiative designed to empower migrant women with an entrepreneurial spirit. The program includes technical training workshops, seed capital provision, and ongoing mentoring to ensure the sustainability of the businesses.

  • Beneficiaries: 20 migrant women from Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Colombia, aged between 20 and 56.
  • Family Focus: 85% of the participants are mothers, highlighting the program’s importance in supporting families.
  • Business Ventures: The women have ventured into diverse fields such as bakery, hair salons, sewing, sublimation printing, natural cosmetics, and catering.

PlanVital employees’ involvement has been instrumental. Their employees have dedicated significant time and effort to the program:

  • Training Workshops: Conducted by 12 volunteers, with some participating in multiple sessions.
  • Total Hours: Volunteers contributed a total of 32 hours to workshops.
  • Mentoring: 10 volunteers provided monthly mentoring, dedicating 30 minutes each month over six months.

A New Chapter for Migrant Women

Through this Migrant women in Chile are gaining the skills, confidence, and resources they need to build sustainable businesses and secure brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The journey of Emprende Migrante is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities come together to support those in need. As these women continue to thrive and inspire others, the ripple effects of this initiative will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.