My own business

Marco is a Venezuelan migrant who escaped persecution and settled down in Chile where he tried hard to rebuild his life. He was an electrical engineer and now is working in construction. Chile has had a very draconian lockdown which impacted heavily on the most vulnerable people who were losing jobs, small businesses were collapsing and disrupting normal life. He had to leave behind his family when he decided to flee from Venezuelan political repression, but it was a high risk.

Since fleeing to safety, his marriage has broken down and his family has become divided. With a broken heart he recounted on his experiences whilst reflecting also on his learning: “Even the worst situations can be turned into good opportunities”, he says.

During lockdown he was considered an “essential worker” and because many industries and services closed down, he saw the chance to start his very own business in providing heavy diesel machinery. He is grateful for his life and considers the flip side of every coin.