By Oluchi Omai
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a new partnership with UNICEF to promote inclusive education for Venezuelan migrant and refugee children in Peru. This announcement followed a visit to a local school by USAID Administrator Samantha Power.
Peru is home to the second-largest population of Venezuelan migrants and refugees globally, hosting 1.6 million individuals who have fled their home country in search of safety and better opportunities. USAID reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government of Peru in its efforts to accommodate these migrants and refugees, helping them integrate into their host communities.
As part of this initiative, USAID is investing $2 million in a project designed to enhance access to education and legal status for Venezuelan migrant children and their families. UNICEF will implement the program in collaboration with HIAS and the Government of Peru. The goal is to help students remain in school while supporting their formal integration into Peruvian society.
The program aims to facilitate legal recognition for migrant children and their guardians through their enrollment and retention in the formal education system. By addressing legal and educational challenges, the project seeks to ensure that migrants can fully integrate into their communities, gain stability, and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
Administrator Samantha Power emphasized that ensuring education for migrant children is not only a humanitarian priority but also a step towards economic growth and social inclusion. “When migrants and refugees are supported in building new lives, their contributions can strengthen the communities they join,” she said.
USAID and the U.S. government are committed to supporting the formal inclusion of migrants into society. This initiative also aims to discourage dangerous irregular migration by improving conditions for migrants where they are. Through partnerships with organizations like UNICEF and HIAS, and working alongside local governments, the United States continues to foster stability, safety, and opportunities for vulnerable populations in Peru.
This effort is part of a broader strategy to address the ongoing challenges of migration while promoting development and inclusion across the region.