“Other children made fun of me for not having a birth certificate.”
Nine year old Carmen (pictured above) attends a Toybox supported project in San Salvador. In her early years, she was often seen on the streets with her caregiver, cleaning car windscreens after school, to help make ends meet. Carmen was not registered at birth, but thanks to the support and guidance of Toybox local partner Viva, she has now sucessfully obtained her birth certificate retrospectively.
Carmen shares, "My Grandmother saw the number for Foundation Viva, in an advertisement - she called them and they helped. Before, my life was sad because other children made fun of me for not having a birth certificate. Now I have a name I feel happy, calm and have something to dream about. The most important thing is that I now have education and health. I will be able to become a doctor and get to know the United States since my cousins and uncles live there."
Carmen also opens up on her typical daily routine: "I get up at 5:00am, take a bath, change, and heat up my food to take to school. Then I go to study - my 15 year old cousin takes me there, afterwards I come home. Sometimes I take care of my one year old niece - changing her nappy and playing with her. Later I go out to play with my cousins - we often play hide and seek."
Through her continued participation in the project, Carmen is now also attending school reinforcement sessions, which focus on improving basic educational skills in linguistic communication and maths. She also attends workshops on children's rights and emotional well-being.
For many children like Carmen, the project offers a safe space away from the streets to learn, and play with others her age. Reflecting on her involvement, she shares, "My life has changed since attending the project—it makes me happy . They play with us and help us. I like the toys - I haven't had many toys in my life."
Pictured above: (L) Carmen with her birth certificate. (R) Carmen enjoys painting at the project.