Photo by Michelle Alvarado for RET

Article by Michelle Alvarado, Communications Officer for RET Ecuador

To read this article in Spanish, check out our RET en español channel.

QUITO, ECUADOR – Jhondervi was only a few months old when he left Venezuela with his brother and parents in search of stability. Their first destination was Colombia, where, amid changes and challenges, he started preschool at the age of five. However, his educational journey was not easy—family instability affected his school attendance, his behavior concerned teachers, and his grades did not truly reflect his ability and learning.

“When Jhondervi lived in Colombia, he would not take notes in class or do his homework. The school authorities would constantly call my brother and my sister-in-law,” said Daniela, Jhondervi’s aunt.

Photo by Michelle Alvarado for RET

In 2024, the family faced another change. In search of better opportunities, his parents made the decision to migrate again—this time to Ecuador. Jhondervi and his older brother, Jhondaiver, had to leave school to embark on a new journey. In Ecuador, they were welcomed by their grandmother, their aunt Daniela, and their cousins, José and Cristal, who had arrived a few years earlier.

In their new home, education once again became a challenge. Their parents had to navigate a different educational system and go through multiple processes. Moreover, they lacked the necessary documents to verify Jhondervi’s last completed school year in Colombia, which meant he would have to repeat third grade.

For the two brothers, it was not just about adapting to a new country and culture; it also meant starting over at a new school, learning new subjects, getting to know new teachers, and making new friends.

The Challenge of Starting Over at School

Daniela, Jhondervi and Jhondaiver’s aunt, guided her nephews to RET Ecuador. Her own children, José and Cristal, were already participating in the Active Search phase of the Multi-Year Resilience Program for Educational Inclusion (MYRP) in collaboration with Education Cannot Wait.

Jhondervi’s aunt, Daniela explained, “When I arrived in Ecuador, I didn’t know there were organizations that helped Venezuelan children with their education. Three years later, I learned about RET through a friend. I wanted my nephews to have the same opportunity my kids did.”

The RET Ecuador team and their aunt supported the process of enrolling them in the education system. Jhondervi had to face a new challenge: taking the placement test to define which course he would enter. He had to prepare!

The two brothers arrived at the Rincón Pedagógico (Pedagogical Corner) for their preparation classes with RET, feeling very nervous during their first days.

“Jhondervi kept saying he wouldn’t pass the test because what he had learned in Colombia was different. He was also worried because he didn’t have school supplies,” said Blanca from RET Ecuador’s technical team.

Jhondervi and his brother spent about three weeks preparing. In each class, they grew more confident in their knowledge, supported each other, and made new friends. Jhondervi stood out for his strong artistic sensitivity—during his free time, he enjoyed drawing and painting.

The day of the exam arrived.

“I was a little scared and nervous because I only had one hour to complete the exams, and the topics were difficult. But I studied a lot with the help of Blanquita, the RET teacher,” Jhondervi recalled.

Jhondervi and his brother were not alone in this process. His mother and aunt attended workshops organized by RET, where they learned about the right to education and their role in their children’s schooling. They also participated in emotional support and psychological first aid sessions, strengthening their ability to accompany the children in this new beginning.

Photo by Michelle Alvarado for RET

Building a Dream

A week later, the results of the exam came out. Jhondervi passed his exam with an excellent score and was placed in fourth grade. What had once seemed like an obstacle now felt like a victory.

The following week, he started classes. Now, although he still faces challenges—like making new friends and improving in some subjects—his efforts are already paying off.

“My favorite subjects are art and sports. In Colombia, my mom used to get a lot of calls from school, but now I get straight A’s. She says she is proud of me,” explained Jhondervi.

His brother also passed the placement test and, at the beginning of 2025, started eighth grade.

RET’s support continues for both brothers. Today, Jhondervi and Jhondaiver attend tutoring sessions, where they reinforce their knowledge and complete their homework. Their aunt Daniela remains a fundamental pillar in ensuring their continued attendance and academic progress. She accompanies them every week, supports them, and provides the security they need to become great professionals.

By the way, Jhondervi dreams of becoming a technology expert and also a photographer. And with his determination, nothing seems impossible.

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