Reducing Negative Effects of Migration

Nancy de Pillar González's Story

I have been using the videoconference services (provided by the Social Ministry, Archdiocese of Cuenca) for a little while now and can already see a difference in my children and our relationships with the men in our lives. The Internet café has even connected my family with a psychologist that specializes in immigrant families.

"When I got divorced, there wasn't an opportunity to see and communicate with family members living abroad. The children felt alone and needed to see their father, to have a male role model, and to know there is a man who exists in their lives. Now there is no excuse if people don't communicate. My children can talk to their father who lives in Spain. My daughter told me, 'I like the videoconference because I can see how my Daddy feels.' When my son talked to his father, his father told him to cut his hair and wear better clothes and my son listened. On the phone you can say you are doing well even when you aren't and the other person won't know it is a lie.

"We communicate deep emotions when we talk through the videoconference. With the videoconference you don't have to think about what you want to write, but rather say exactly what you are feeling just like being there in-person. I will hopefully participate in the computer and Internet courses they offer so I can learn more about computers. I like using the videoconference and it has benefited my family. We can now maintain our relationships until the time when we can be together."

How Do We Do This Project and What Are Our Accomplishments to Date?

The Archdiocese of Cuenca implements the Migration, Organization, Communication and Legal and Psychological Support project. It targets vulnerable groups such as children, women and elderly affected by the forced separation from the other family members due to emigration.

Tele-Center Booths

Tele-center conference booths are established in cantons (municipalities) in Azuay to ensure the successful exchange of information between migrants and their families, coordination with parishes and religious organizations in the United States is important to ensure that similar communication technology exists in the centers in United States.

Legal Support and Counseling

The Archdiocese also provides legal support and counseling for people who are considering emigration or issues related to the emigration of relatives.

This project benefits 2,000 people.

Background of the Project

Migration has become a major issue in Ecuador, largely due to the economic crisis and severe deterioration of the living conditions during the period from 1999 to 2003. An estimated 2 million Ecuadorians are currently living abroad. Since 2002 CRS has supported assistance to migrants and their families in Ecuador to mitigate the negative impacts of human mobility through interactive virtual communication and development of global solidarity relationships.