Photo: Fabricio Carrijo

“My biggest dream is to live in a place where my children can grow up safely” - Francisco

by Suedy Lorenna

Francisco (32) used to live in Venezuela with his four children. He had a fish stall in a market and a small farm where he used to produce fruits to sell. His life was good and the business profitable. However, with the economic crisis in his country, life became increasingly difficult. It got to a point in which he had to make the decision to sell the little he had and emigrate to Brazil in search for better life for his family.

Photo: Suedy Lorenna

Photo: Suedy Lorenna

This decision, to leave behind everything he knew and start a journey with an absolutely unknown destination, was extremely difficult for him. Their trip to Boa Vista was not easy. Between the city of Pacaraima and the capital of the Roraima state, the family had to walk over 100 km, which took them seven days. However, along the way, they received a lot of help and support from indigenous communities. They were also offered a ride for the remaining 100 km to Boa Vista by a Brazilian truck driver who got touched by their situation. Francisco and his family currently live in the shelter Nova Canaãn, in Boa Vista. Despite difficult circumstances and an unknown future, Francisco dreams that one day he will be able to see his land again, cultivate it and be able to continue the business he had to leave behind.