After a powerful encounter in Nairobi, Toybox CEO Lynne Morris shares Mathew's story - a moving reflection on resilience and hope, and the deep responsibility that comes with sharing children's stories.
meeting mathew
Mathew wore a pink Croc on his right foot, a ripped T-shirt, and blue shorts. We sat on a tiny wooden bench as he told me about his life. He was shocked to hear there are homeless people in the UK. And it was difficult to listen how he often goes hungry, doesn’t attend school, and shares a mattress with his four siblings. He recently lost his dad in a tragic accident, leaving his mum to raise five children alone.
Despite these challenges, Mathew’s humour shone through. He laughed as he told me about football games with his friends. When I showed him photos of my children, he asked about their lives and favourite teams - “Liverpool”, I said. He then promptly listed every player.
In just a couple of hours, Mathew let me into his world - his struggles, his dreams and his gentle spirit. I was loathed to leave him that sunny day in Nairobi, I knew I had been granted a huge blessing by spending time with him. As we left, he said to me, “Tell people about me, tell them my story.”
Well, I have attempted to tell you a little about Mathew. He is funny, incisive and determined to help ease his mother’s burden. He joined the Toybox supported project in Nairobi around nine months ago. I have tried to do him justice, but I know I haven’t captured his full energy, hope or sadness. I wish you could have sat beside me on that dusty wooden bench. Perhaps then the weight of telling his story would not feel so heavy.
Next year
In our sector we call it ethical storytelling and at Toybox we try really hard to get this right. We want to tell the truth without sensationalising or diminishing a child’s story. This is why I am excited to share that for the next year; we are handing over the Toybox magazine to children and young people themselves. I cannot wait to see what they choose to share, I know we need to be prepared for the unexpected. What a gift and privilege it is to be allowed into their lives.
