“My parents are my role models - they are entrepreneurs.”
11 year old Albert (pictured above) lives with his parents in San Salvador and currently attends a Toybox supported education project, based in the central market. Here, children receive support with their studies, learn soft skills to help with their academic performance and also enjoy recreational and creative activities that promote child well- being. The project is seen as a real oasis for many children in the area, offering a safe and nurturing space away from the dangers of the streets.
Albert's mother works selling pupusasas (a traditional Salvadorian snack), while his father is a security guard. In his spare time, Albert helps his mother at her food stall; taking orders, serving food and cleaning up. Here in his own words he shares about his education, involvement at the project and his hopes for the future.
"On a typical day, I get up early at about 5am. We go to the market and then I go to school from 7am - 12pm. In the afternoon, I come to help my mum with the stall, I do my homework and then we leave at about 5 or sometimes 6pm. When we get home I watch television, eat and go to sleep."
Pictured above: (L) Albert with his mother. (R) Albert helping out at his mother's food stall.
It is clear that Albert has big ambitions for the future and a postive attitude towards his studies. He shares; "I am very happy to be able to study but if I could change one thing about school, it would be that that there would be no more bullying - that children would not treat each other badly. My favourite subjects are English, computer and science. I think school's important as it's where we learn and that's how we know what we want to be when we grow up! In the future I want to be a scientist, to be able to find a cure for cancer or for diseases that can't be cured yet, and also to build new things - like an underwater car, for example."
One of Albert's project workers, commented, "Albert has many positive qualities, one of them is his love for studying. He is someone who likes to learn new things and makes an effort to do so. He is also very collaborative, he always supports us in the development of the activities with the children. Albert's very creative - when we do handicrafts we can see his skill and dedication. He is very polite and respectful, he treats others well."
The project has certainly had positive impact on Albert's life he continues; "Through the project I have learned to draw and paint, - i've improved in mathematics and English." He concludes, "For children who are not yet at school, my advice would be to go- to learn to read and write, to have dreams and to be able to fight for them."
Pictured above: Albert in his school uniform.