Samuel

Samuel lives with his mother, his two younger sisters and his stepfather. His house is in one of the most violent areas of San Salvador; as you enter the community, you are met with the welcome warning of a mural that says, “If you want to save your life, see, her and be silent”. The family knows all too well the impact the violence can cause - his father died as a result of presumed involvement in gang activity when Samuel was only little.

His father dying meant that Samuel was never able to obtain a birth certificate – a vital piece of identification in El Salvador – meaning that he was unable to access many of his basic rights, including his education and many of the materials he needed for it. He is currently in 4th Grade but at 13 years old, he should be in 7th Grade. Having to move house several times has left him unable to attend classes, but not having his birth certificate also made it that much harder to re-enrol when the family settled again.

“I didn’t have a birth certificate because my mum didn't pursue the case when I was little. My mum couldn't get the certificate because she worked. She started the process but then my dad passed away so it was no longer possible – they had to close the case.” Samuel

“Not having my birth certificate meant I had unpleasant experiences like not having a computer for school, not having my uniform, not having my school supplies. It made me feel that I wasn't going to be able to follow my dream of being an artist.” Samuel

Samuel’s case was referred to Toybox’s partner in El Salvador, Viva, by the local Mayor’s office in September of 2021. It took a while to initiate the process because initially, Samuel’s mother was unwilling to share the necessary documents – but gradually, over time and through relationship building, they were eventually able to get everything they needed to begin the process.

The process began well. The judge did not order a DNA test, or an interview with a social worker, which saved about 4 or 5 months of extra waiting, so it was just an interview with Samuel and his mother that were needed to keep the case moving along. Samuel was a week away from the final hearing to confirm his identity and get his birth certificate. However, this was when his mother realised that his second first name had been left out of all the official documentation. As the final hearing was so close, it was virtually impossible that the judge would allow for changes – and if he didn’t, a whole new process would likely need to be started to include his second name.

But Samuel and his mother were determined and pushed hard for his second name, Mateo, to be included on the final paperwork despite the risk of having to start again. Fortunately, the judge was understanding and allowed Samuel’s name to be Samuel Mateo. 8 months after the process was started in February 2022, Samuel finally officially exists and now has his birth certificate!

“I feel happy. I’m happy to be able to tell you that I have my start in life, I am very well, very happy that I have my birth certificate. I can now have my school and get my computer. I feel happy that I am going to be able to follow my dreams, thanks to my mum who put a lot of effort into this process.” Samuel

"That when I grow up or to be able to follow my dream to do art. I want to be a great painter and to be able to make wooden shapes and little things like that.

To other children who don’t have their birth certificates, I would tell them not to worry because they can get it. I might not know about their individual cases, but to be inspired to know that they can get their birth certificate and follow their dreams is amazing. And to their parents, I would tell them to be concerned and to start getting their birth certificates now. These children need them to follow their dreams when they grow up.”