“My mother is the most influential person in my life. She loves me and I love her.”
8-year-old Kevin lives with his parents in San Salvador. Through a Toybox-supported project, both Kevin and his mother Morelia have taken part in activities that promote wellbeing.
Kevin joins school support sessions and workshops where he learns about his rights and the importance of play for health and happiness. “My life has changed”, Kevin shares. “I used to feel sad but now I feel happy. I have learned not to hit other children and my rights.”
Meanwhile, Morelia has participated in positive parenting workshops to enhance child wellbeing. Through her involvement with local partner Viva, she has learned new ways to support her son with love and respect. The sessions offer guidance and support to parents and caregivers on topics such as child rights and protection, parental responsibilities, discipline without violence, and managing stress and emotions.
Morelia shares, “I have learned to control myself more, it has helped me a lot in my relationship with my son.” The workshops help to equip parents and caregivers with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to create a nurturing, stable, and supportive home environment for their children.
Morelia is also a member of a child protection committee at the market where she works.
“Helping parents understand their children is important. Sometimes children suffer internally, but adults assume they don’t feel anything.” Having experienced a difficult childhood herself, Morelia is committed to ensuring that her own children — and others in the market community — have more opportunities.
Pictured below: Kevin and his mother Morelia.
