The meeting of AVSI’s Latin American network in Brazil

AVSI President Patriza Savi highlights how important the role of Founding Members is during dedicated event.

patrizia savi presidente AVSI in Brasile, America Latina 24
Countries Brazil
Date 04.02.2025
Author by Patrizia Savi, AVSI President

In Brazil, from January 19 to 24, I participated with the entire AVSI network in Latin America in an exchange of experiences on key regional issues, from migration to climate change.

AVSI Founding Members in Latin America have been essential for our development in the region. Through their work in the field, AVSI has acquired important lessons on community development, education in vulnerable situations, the fight against malnutrition, sustainable agriculture, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and civil society strengthening. The Founding Members have also been and continue to be key partners in the Distance Support Program, which sums up our approach to education and is a primary example of our work method.

In the last few years, AVSI has increased its presence worldwide and it has thus become necessary to reflect together on the historical role and the current ways in which the various organizations that are now part of AVSI's network in Latin America can continue to collaborate.

The event program included a visit to AVSI’s projects in Boa Vista, where, since 2018, we have been working to facilitate the integration of Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Here, AVSI partners with the Government of Brazil and UNHCR in managing shelters and, together with the US Department of State, in promoting socioeconomic integration through employment.

Since 2018, AVSI has hosted 130,000 people in its shelters at the Venezuelan border, and approximately 4,000 Venezuelans have been integrated into host cities in Brazil. We also carry out social protection activities in collaboration with the Municipality of Boa Vista, the Van Leer Foundation, and UNICEF. In 2024, AVSI installed the first organic composting center in the Amazon as part of an inclusive and regenerative circular economy initiative.

The event also allowed for countless opportunities for dialogue with local institutions and partners, such as the visit to the Casa Bom Samaritano (CBS) reception center. Through the “Welcomed through Work” project, the CBS supports Venezuelan refugees and migrants through educational and professional training activities.

After the field visits, Latin American Founding members and partners took part in a three-day meeting in Brasilia.

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