In the context of the Chilean military dictatorship (1973-1990), in 1982, at the age of 20, Jorge was unemployed and selling Berliner doughnuts outside a polyclinic in the city of Talca, in Chile's seventh region.
This is where his journey with the YCW began.
It was through Belgian deacon Guido Gossens and his partner Luz María Troncoso that he was invited to join the Young Christian Workers movement. A few life stories and being valued as a young worker were enough to spark his commitment. He started bringing together young people from the neighborhood, some who were working and others who were unemployed, forming a core group of initiates who, after carrying out various actions, were able to participate as activists in different meetings and enlarged gatherings, which in turn formed new bases that strengthened the national movement.
In 1987, he became a national leader and strengthened militant action with representation in eight regions of the country.
He organized enlarged meetings, national and regional gatherings, provided training for young workers, led discussions, and coordinated with grassroots and Christian organizations.
IYCW International Team Meeting, Leuven, Belgium, 1990
(L to R: Stefan Gigacz, Ruben Joseph, S. Samydorai, Felix Ollarves, Jorge Silva and Fr Hugh O’Sullivan) - Source: Stefan Gigacz
In 1989, he was elected continental leader, supporting and strengthening the work in countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, and Mexico. He left behind a legacy as a YCW activist and a true friend.
Returning to Chile in 1994, he started a family with Elena, Tiany, Seidy, and Inti. At first, his professional life was not easy. From 1996 to the present, he worked as an educator in direct contact with young people at SENAME (National Service for Minors).
In his unwavering fight for workers and convinced of the importance of organizing people, he took on the role of union leader, supporting his colleagues and earning the respect and affection of those he represented. This was followed by years of support through marches, strikes, demonstrations, and rallies, with the aim of securing benefits and strengthening the rights of all workers who care for children and adolescents in Chile.
This year, after many years of searching for better conditions to live, grow old, and retire in peace, faced with the slow and perverse administrative system of his employers which failed to deliver the improvements he had hoped for, despair and loneliness took hold of him. On July 10, 2025, at the age of 63, Jorge took his own life, leaving behind his legacy to those who knew him:
“Always move forward, work with conviction, and stand resolutely alongside workers”
Jorge and 20 former YCW members from across the country gathered on May 1 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the YCW. Thanks so much, Jorge, for your commitment and loyalty to the movement. You will forever be in our hearts.
IYCW International Team Meeting, Quito, Ecuador, 1993 - Source: Stefan Gigacz
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