Eliceth Lobo, 32 years old, decided to emigrate from Venezuela with her family due to the severe political crisis in her country in December 2023. They faced persecution for opposing the government’s reforms and for fighting for better education and healthcare for their children. The family embarked on a long journey until they reached Ecuador the same month. However, they encountered a new challenge: the lack of a support network. They had no family, friends, or contacts in this new environment, which made their adaptation even more difficult. They did not have a specific place to go upon their arrival in Ecuador.
In that moment of vulnerability, they decided to seek help. They applied to several organizations but received no response, except for Pan de Vida, which provided them with a glimmer of hope. From the very first contact, we began offering support by identifying her most urgent needs, including food, healthcare (especially for her daughter, who suffers from renal failure), education, and clothing. This initial support allowed the family to begin settling into their new country. From the start, we realized that God had sent Eliceth to us.
Once her needs were met, we invited her to participate in our micro-entrepreneurship talks so that she could start her own business. Through our micro-entrepreneurship program, she was guided by mentors who taught her how to enhance her business skills. She based her work on honesty, diligence, and the purpose of serving others.
Eliceth learned the art of cheese-making from her grandparents in Venezuela. In her homeland, she made handmade, wood-smoked cheeses, and she decided to replicate this knowledge when she arrived in Ecuador. Her venture started timidly, but in a short time, she began to receive orders from neighbors and acquaintances.
In November 2024, Eliceth was invited to participate in our event called “Shark Tank Pan de Vida,” where entrepreneurs presented their products to a jury that would select the best one to receive a prize. Eliceth won first place, earning a prize worth $500 in raw materials, which enabled her to strengthen her business. This prize provided an economic boost and recognition of her effort and the quality of her work. Her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and supporting her family is taking shape, and her story serves as a testament that with faith, dedication, and the right support, it is possible to overcome adversity and create new opportunities.
The goal of Pan de Vida is to continue reaching more people like Eliceth, recognizing that entrepreneurship serves not just to generate income but also to serve God and others with honesty, integrity, and a clear commitment to the common good.
