Monica

Monica is 15 and lives in a community just behind on of the largest markets in San Salvador with her grandmother. The community is often considered as one of the most dangerous places in the capital and for years has been under the control of one of the most notorious gangs in the small Central American country. It’s full of small, overcrowded houses with deteriorating infrastructure but due to the security situation with the gang, there is little willingness from anyone to improve it.

“The greatest challenge for children at markets in El Salvador is that we don’t have the opportunity to study – it’s really hard to do here.” Monica

A leader in the making

Monica is part of the Moses Project, which is run by Toybox’s partner in El Salvador, Viva. For over 7 years, she has been attending project activities and has participated in activities to teach her about values and life skills, as well as workshops which have given her the chance to use art and creativity as a way to build her resilience. She’s also developed her teamwork and collaboration with other children at the market and she loves contributing to ways the project can evolve to continue benefitting children in the future. Monica has developed her talent and love for painting.

“I love coming to the project because I’ve learned how to paint – I love expressing myself through my art. I know how to paint different kinds of landscapes now and I use different techniques too. I’ve also learned how to control myself when I feel angry. They’ve taught us so many good things – things that have really helped me to grow. The most important thing I’ve learned is how to express myself, which I found hard in the past.” Monica

Opportunities to grow in San Salvador

In May 2022, the children had the change to organise an exhibition to show off all their handicrafts, drawings and paintings. Monica was so excited to be able to show off her talent and felt confident in the art that she put forward to show.

“I come to the market every day. I get up really early and help my nan to bag up the curtido (shredded cabbage and vegetables) to go on top of the pupusas that she sells. Then, I head off to school and after that, I go to the project. I used to get so bored, but now I have somewhere to go to have fun instead."

“Being at the market so much is scary sometimes. Once, children were playing in the building and then three men came in dressed in official uniform but they just started shooting at a teenager who was in there. I’d change everything that’s going on in the country at the moment if I were a leader. I really want to be a footballer and to play in the national team or in a professional league. I also want to help my nan and give back to her because she has allowed me to do my studies and has supported me through everything.” Monica