“My life has changed for the better, now I can read and add up.”
9 year old Jose attends a Toybox supported education project in Guatemala City, run by local partner Puerta de Esperanza. Before joining the project, Jose was not in school. He shares, “I couldn't read, I couldn't do sums and my life was boring.”
With support of the project, things changed. He continues, "Charlie (a member of the Puerta de Esperanza team) went to talk to the school… they told him that there was a place… and they supported him so that I could go to school.”
When he was finally accepted, Jose says simply,
“I was very happy.”
Reflecting on the support he receives from the project Jose shares,
“They have taught me to read, I have learned more about God and now I am doing better in school. My life has changed for the better, now I can read and add up. They have also given me books, notebooks, rulers and they support me with materials that I am asked for at school.”
Pictured below: Jose with his younger sister focus on their homework.
At the project Jose likes, “when they do the workshops and word-forming challenges - the first one to form a word wins a prize!”
Jose shares what a typical day looks like for him, “I get up, we have breakfast, I clean up, I play with my friends… My mum gives me a bath and drops me off at school. When I get home I do homework and if there are games at night I go to play.”
Friendship is important to Jose, he continues,
"My friends are kind to me, they play with me. We look out for each other."
Looking ahead, Jose has clear aspirations for the future: Firstly, "to continue studying - I like studying a lot. School is important to have better job opportunities."
In the future, Jose would like to be a fireman, "to be able to help many people."
He concludes by sharing another of his dreams for the future, "I am going to buy a car!"
Pictured below: Jose with his younger siblings and mum (L) Jose holds school supplies from the project. (R)
