Matias

5 year old Matias was born and has spent his early childhood growing up in Guatemala City. Most of the houses in his neighbourhood are made of breeze block or tin, with limited access to electricity and clean water. Like many children his age, Matias enjoys playing with friends, as well as painting and reading. Recently, Matias' family were supported by Toybox local partner, Conacmi, to retrospectively register their son. Here, in her own words, Rosario, Matias' mother shares her experience and explains the difference this had made in her and her son's life.

“The danger in the neighbourhood where I live is that sometimes you hear that someone has been killed or that people are drinking, so I don't let my children go out and play. I could not register Matias because I didn't have my identity card. Due to life circumstances it was difficult to process my documents over the years and I could not register Matias because the midwife died years ago and they did not give me the birth certificate. However, with the support of CONACMI we started a legal process to get my papers and register Matias. We went to three court hearings, which included DNA testing. Eventually we were able to register Matias. Now, Matias is studying and if he gets sick, I can take him to to the health centre without fear."

Matias shares that his day to day activities have changed a lot since getting his birth certificate. “I now go to school every morning with my two brothers. Then I come home for lunch before going outside for a fun afternoon of walks and play with my brothers and cousins.”

Now that Matias has his birth certificate, he is determined to study hard and has dreams of becoming a firefighter. Rosario concludes; "Now we have our documents, I feel very happy. I can take my child to the health centre without the fear of him being taken from me. I’ve been spending time with my children which makes me feel very happy as well, thank you for all the help you have given us. It is rare to receive nowadays!”