Abraham

As the youngest of 6 siblings, 14-year-old Abraham is used to hectic - even more so as the youngest sibling growing up in one of Guatemala City’s most dangerous gang territories.

As is not uncommon for children growing up in areas controlled by gangs, Abraham became part of the gang network at a very early age. Before he was 10, gang leaders had recruited him to be a runner of phones that were used to collect extortion money from local people and this led him to spend more and more time on the streets.

He soon became known to local police and was referred to the local child protection network after he went missing for 72 hours. This was when he came to know CONACMI, Toybox’s partner in Guatemala, after a judge ordered that he attend sessions to help him turn his life around and prevent him from continuing on the path of gang involvement.

“I was recruited by the gang in my neighbourhood – they used to threaten me with things if I didn’t obey.” Abraham

At first, Abraham resented going to the sessions, but over time, he settled in and began to enjoy the activities that were organised. “The most significant things for me at the project have been taking part in the youth movements and sharing everything I learn with other children who have similar stories to me. Now I don’t spend time on the streets as I’m always busy doing stuff at the project.”

Abraham has recently become an ambassador for children at his project which means that he takes an active leadership role in activities and sessions. Through the time he spends at the project, he receives attention from the staff who help him with challenges he comes up against, he participates in youth movements with his friends and he’s learned a lot in workshops about social responsibilities and sex education.

“Recently, I started going to school again – before when I didn’t go, I felt quite weird and bored. Now I feel good that I got accepted because there are people who I know there. I love maths and my teaches is so good at supporting me when I need it. School is important because it teaches you how to be independent – I’ve learned how to be a good person and treat others well. Before, I was too serious, and I used to hit other children without any reason at all. I’d encourage every child to go to school because it’s good for your future. When I grow up, I dream of being bilingual and going to live in the USA where I’d like to have a career in business administration.” Abraham