“I struggled a lot with school, I didn't understand. My parents couldn't help me.”
Carmen (pictured above), attends a Toybox-supported education project in Guatemala City. Since the age of 10, Carmen has been helping run her parents' fruit stall. Reflecting on her daily routine, she shares,
"I work selling coconuts and fruits. I get up at 5am, walk to my selling place, prepare the fruit and start selling from 6am until 5pm. If I have classes at school, I work until 12pm and then I walk home and then go to school with my sister. I don't like that I have to get up so early."
Around four years ago, Carmen was introduced to Toybox's local partner, Puerta de Esperanza, and learned about the 'Caminar Juntos' project, which focuses on helping children and young people engage in education, with the active support of their parents or caregivers. Through outreach at their workplaces, the project helps children return to school and stay committed to their studies. Weekly workshops and quarterly outings are organised to aid the children’s development, while parents and caregivers receive guidance to help create a more supportive and encouraging home environment.
Carmen shares; "My dad took me to the project after they helped my family with my brother so he could study. We met the teachers and they told us that they could help. Before I started at the project, I struggled a lot with school, I didn't understand. My parents couldn't help. At the project, they help me with my homework, give us food and share with us. Now I feel very good - I'm happy. Now I can read and write."
The Puerta de Esperanza team shared; "Carmen entered the school reinforcement programme at the age of ten, not knowing how to read or write. She was re-enrolled in public school in first grade along with her younger sister. With courage and ambition, Carmen has not only advanced herself, but thanks to the support of Toybox and the Caminar Juntos project, both Carmen and her little sister are now reading and writing independently. This year they will enter the 4th grade of primary school.
Seeing Carmen — who joined the programme unable to read or write and significantly older than her Year 1 classmates — continue to make academic progress, keep working hard selling fruit on the street to support her family, and have her own dreams and life plans is incredibly inspiring for Puerta de Esperanza and fills us with joy."
Reflecting on the future, Carmen shares; "At the moment, my studies are the most important thing in my life. I want to continue with them, work in a company and have a career. I would like to learn how to run a company. My dream is to save money and buy a plot of land. I don't want to rent because at any moment, the landlord could kick us out. If I were President of my country I would address the lack of jobs for people."
With the support of her family, the dedication of the project team, and her own drive to learn and grow, Carmen has transformed what once felt out of reach into tangible progress. Carmen’s commitment to her education has opened up new possibilities for the future. Her story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when young people are given the chance to learn, dream, and be supported along the way.
Pictured below: (L) Carmen at her family's market stall. (R) Carmen with her parents.
