Acatitlàn - Mexico
September 28, 2025
In Acatitlán, a small town in the State of Mexico, childhood doesn’t look like what we often imagine. Here, many children rise early, not to play or dream, but to work alongside their parents. From dismantling flowers at the church to helping with countless household tasks, their days are filled with responsibilities that leave little room for games, laughter, or the carefree connections that should belong to their age.
This is the reality: a youth without childhood. No playgrounds. No space to simply be kids.
And that is exactly why Timbali came.
After a heartfelt conversation with the town’s delegado, we were offered the garden right beside the church, a central and welcoming place. Flyers went out, invitations spread, and soon the children knew: something different was coming. Something just for them.
On Sunday, after mass, the garden began to fill. Parents were cautious, many at first reluctant to let their children stay. But eventually, thirteen brave little faces remained. Thirteen children who, instead of working that morning, chose joy.
And joy is what we saw.
Bright smiles. Laughter echoing through the garden. Games and moments of connection they so rarely experience. For a brief time, these kids were not helpers, not little workers, they were simply children, free and happy.
At the end, parents and children alike came to us, smiling, grateful, and insistent on one thing: please come back.
Because every child deserves not only to work for their family, but also to know the magic of play, the beauty of friendship, and the freedom of being a child, even if just for a moment. We are deeply grateful to have accomplished this mission, fully aligned with our purpose at Timbali
