The ILO and SENATIC continue paving the way to the future: this is the story of Dayarlin, a young woman transforming her life through software programming
From the hills of Bucaramanga, in Comuna 14, a young Venezuelan learner shows that a passion for technology can be the driving force to build dreams and forge a professional life with independence and purpose. Dayarlin is one of the many voices that embody the transformative spirit of the SENATIC project, led by the ILO, MinTIC and SENA.
Dayarlin Mercedes Oropeza Portilla is 17 years old, with a kind smile and unshakeable determination. Born in Carabobo, Venezuela, she arrived in Colombia at the age of twelve, after her mother had taken the first step on the migratory journey in search of a better life. A year later, Dayarlin joined her, accompanied by her two siblings, taking her place as the middle child in a family that, despite the economic hardships in their country of origin, gave her a happy childhood.
Her life in Colombia began with a total shift though not a hostile one. She was warmly welcomed by relatives already living in the country, and although her first days at the Oriente Miraflores School were filled with uncertainty, she quickly adapted thanks to the kindness of her classmates. Today, she lives with her family in Morrorico, a neighbourhood in Comuna 14 of Bucaramanga, Santander, an area with deep community roots which, despite facing social challenges, also brims with cultural potential.
For the past year, Dayarlin has been part of the SENATIC project, through which she is studying for a technician’s qualification in software programming, guided by her instructor Javier Quintero. The enthusiasm with which she speaks about what she is learning reveals a deep connection to technology. For her, understanding how applications work from scratch is not only exciting it has also opened up a new perspective on what she can achieve.
Dayarlin Mercedes Oropeza Portilla is 17 years old, with a kind smile and unshakeable determination. Born in Carabobo, Venezuela, she arrived in Colombia at the age of twelve, after her mother had taken the first step on the migratory journey in search of a better life. A year later, Dayarlin joined her, accompanied by her two siblings, taking her place as the middle child in a family that, despite the economic hardships in their country of origin, gave her a happy childhood.
Her life in Colombia began with a total shift though not a hostile one. She was warmly welcomed by relatives already living in the country, and although her first days at the Oriente Miraflores School were filled with uncertainty, she quickly adapted thanks to the kindness of her classmates. Today, she lives with her family in Morrorico, a neighbourhood in Comuna 14 of Bucaramanga, Santander, an area with deep community roots which, despite facing social challenges, also brims with cultural potential.
For the past year, Dayarlin has been part of the SENATIC project, through which she is studying for a technician’s qualification in software programming, guided by her instructor Javier Quintero. The enthusiasm with which she speaks about what she is learning reveals a deep connection to technology. For her, understanding how applications work from scratch is not only exciting it has also opened up a new perspective on what she can achieve.
“What I enjoy the most is seeing how something that seems so difficult at first, I can eventually understand and apply. It’s exciting when the code works,”
She balances her studies with a weekend job as a sales assistant in a clothing shop a job she began at the age of 15. With her warm and positive attitude, she has gained the trust of customers and proven that kindness is also a powerful tool. With the money she earns, she supports herself and contributes to her household, where her mother works as a domestic worker and her father as a security guard.
Her daily life unfolds between the classroom, the computer, work, the gym and family responsibilities. Her heart also has room for Gabriel, whose presence she fondly shares on her WhatsApp profile. But her vision goes far beyond the present. She dreams of becoming a profesional perhaps a systems engineer achieving financial independence and continuing to learn about programming, a skill she has discovered with natural ease and great interest. “I would tell other young people to take advantage of these opportunities, because they’re really good and they prepare you for what’s to come,”she says.
Dayarlin is not only forging her own path she is also inspiring her younger sister, currently in tenth grade at the same school, who is already showing an interest in technology. Her story is proof that when access to technical education, personal motivation and the backing of initiatives like SENATIC come together, the result is not a promise it’s a reality in the making.
Dayarlin is part of a generation that doesn’t wait for the future she codes it. With every line of code and every decision made with responsibility and passion, she is building a different future from the one she left behind in Venezuela. She does so with determination, with dreams, and with that spark in her eyes seen only in those who truly believe that it is possible.
Her daily life unfolds between the classroom, the computer, work, the gym and family responsibilities. Her heart also has room for Gabriel, whose presence she fondly shares on her WhatsApp profile. But her vision goes far beyond the present. She dreams of becoming a profesional perhaps a systems engineer achieving financial independence and continuing to learn about programming, a skill she has discovered with natural ease and great interest. “I would tell other young people to take advantage of these opportunities, because they’re really good and they prepare you for what’s to come,”she says.
Dayarlin is not only forging her own path she is also inspiring her younger sister, currently in tenth grade at the same school, who is already showing an interest in technology. Her story is proof that when access to technical education, personal motivation and the backing of initiatives like SENATIC come together, the result is not a promise it’s a reality in the making.
Dayarlin is part of a generation that doesn’t wait for the future she codes it. With every line of code and every decision made with responsibility and passion, she is building a different future from the one she left behind in Venezuela. She does so with determination, with dreams, and with that spark in her eyes seen only in those who truly believe that it is possible.
Dayarlin Mercedes Oropeza Portilla is one of 33,000 learners continuing in 2025 under Line 1 of the SENATIC project, a nationwide initiative led by the Ministry of ICT, SENA and the ILO for upper secondary students enrolled in articulated technical education.
