The UNESCO Office in Lima is exploring new intercultural integration methods to improve migrants’ and refugees’ inclusion in Peru. With 1.5 million by December 2022, Peru is the second largest recipient of Venezuelan migrants behind Colombia.
UNESCO’s ‘+ Diversidad’ (More diversity) project is supporting schools to develop institutional practices to actively welcome migrant population. Since 2021, over 2,500 principals and teachers have been trained to promote peaceful coexistence based on the recognition of cultural diversity. This is making a big difference in teacher training methods.
The UNESCO-International Organization for Migration (IOM) projects ‘¡Venezuela Presente!’ (Venezuela present!) and ‘Venezuela Siembra Cultura’ (Venezuela sows culture) are promoting socioeconomic integration through cultural micro-enterprises in secondary cities like Arequipa, which hosts a large number of migrants. These two projects are proving that culture plays a pivotal role in fostering a positive relationship between migrant and hosting communities.
An art teacher from Venezuela, Fernando arrived in Peru in 2013 and settled with his wife in Arequipa. Their children were born there. Like many other migrants, Fernando worked as a street vendor and deliveryman to support his family. During lockdown, he made a harp from recycled wood. He started playing again and promoting Venezuelan traditions. Today, with the support of UNESCO and IOM, he has a second career as a llanera music performer and a luthier of traditional music instruments.
As a ‘¡Venezuela Presente!’ beneficiary, Fernando was taught management and technical skills. He also participated in ‘Venezuela Siembra Cultura’ to learn about marketing and e-commerce. He now has opened a music shop and consolidated his own cultural project. He has become an inspiration for other refugees and migrants, and is ultimately increasing Arequipa’s cultural diversity.
With the European Union’s support and in partnership with Peruvian, Ecuadorian and international organizations, the UNESCO Office in Lima launched in 2021 another education and culture-based project, ‘Del desplazamiento a la integración’ (From displacement to integration). This project fosters sustainable livelihoods for refugees and migrants in northern Peru (Trujillo, Chiclayo and Piura) and southern Ecuador (Cuenca and Guayaquil) through capacity building and access to seed capital for cultural initiatives.
Download the virtual exhibition "I come to offer my heart, when art migrates" (Spanish)
