Bella

13-year-old Bella lives in San Martín, an area in El Salvador that has historically faced high levels of violence and insecurity. In some parts, families live in well-built homes, while in others, housing is made from temporary materials such as corrugated metal sheets. Many families live and work in difficult conditions, particularly around the central market.

Bella lives with her mother, brother and aunt. Her mother works selling dairy products, having previously sold food in the central market, where Bella would help at the stall.

A regular day for Bella

Bella's days are long and tiring. She explains that on a typical day, she wakes at 3:30am and leaves home at 4am to travel by bus from San Martín to school in San Salvador. When school finishes at midday, she spends the afternoon at the market helping her aunt, before returning home at 7pm to complete any homework and sleep. Bella spends much of her spare time at the market (where she has been going with her family since she was very young). She shares that she does not like it, as it is "a boring place for her and other children."

Bella's involvement at the project

Bella has been part of the Toybox-supported project, run by local partner Viva since 2022. Through the project, she has received support with her education and personal development. She shares;

"At the project, I am learning to read and write, as well as doing my homework. We learn about our rights, to say no to sexual abuse, that no one can touch my body or hurt me.”

Bella describes how she felt before joining the project:

“Bored, there was nothing to do, I wanted to stay at home.” Now, she says; “I am excited to learn more and more things!”

Pictured below: (L) Bella gets support and guidance with her studies at the homework club.

(R) Bella takes part in an afternoon promoting children’s right to play and its importance for mental wellbeing.

Since joining the project, Bella has developed new skills and confidence. She is proud of what she can do. She shares;

“I can draw, make bracelets and do crafts.I am very good at drawing - it makes me happy and I feel like an artist.”

progress and future dreams

Bella's progress has also been recognised by the project staff, who share; "Bella can now read and write, has strengthened her academic and social skills, and actively participates in project activities. She also demonstrates greater personal confidence and knowledge of her rights.She has now been considered as a candidate to join the Market Protection Committee, which will be made up of children, thus recognising her leadership and commitment within the training process."

She concludes, "I only have one friend and she is my role model - she accepts me for who I am, regardless of whether I have money or not, or how I dress.

Right now, my studies are the most important thing in my life- I want to be able to go to university. I want to be a doctor so I can help people; that has been my dream since I was little.”