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| José Albino is now a lawyer, but has not forgotten his roots at SOS Children's Village Mexico City |
What's your profession?
I have a law degree from the 'Universidad del Distrito Federal', but I have not taken the professional examinations to get the degree officially certified yet. My dissertation will be on domestic violence, since I found out that the rate of domestic violence - especially violence against women - has increased dramatically recently.
Do you work in the field of your profession?
I worked in a lawyer's office for ten years. I left that job in 2006 and started working in other law-related areas. I asked a notary for help, and he hired me. Now I work with the president of the Chamber of Notaries. I started reviewing files, and I now manage official matters. What I like very much is being at court and reviewing files.
Are you married, and do you have children?
No, I am not married. When I was 30, I decided to move in with my partner. We had a baby boy, but he died when he was a year and a half old.
I would love to have another child and teach him or her everything my SOS mother taught me. I would take him/her to kindergarten, and later I would help him/her with homework.
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| SOS Children's Village Mexico City |
How long did you live at the SOS Children's Village for?
I lived there for twelve years, until I was 14 years old. When I was transferred to "Hogares Providencia"*, I felt very sad because I felt like they were taking me away from my family. At "Hogares Providencia", the atmosphere was quite different, and I missed my mother, brothers and sisters very much. Fortunately, I managed to get close to my family again when I visited the village some time later.
Do you remember any particular prank you played and then got told off?
Yes, once I broke the window of another SOS family's house with an avocado I threw.
How was your relationship with your SOS mother when you were a child?
I was very rebellious for a while, and my mother, María del Rosario, was very strict. She tried to keep me busy all the time, but all I wanted was to play. At that time, I had a better relationship with my SOS aunt [family helper] Carmelita who was very kind and allowed us children to go out to play a lot.
What are the most important things you learnt from your mother?
Being responsible at work and looking after myself. She also taught me how to do all the household chores. I can wash and iron my clothes, and I cook. Knowing how to do these activities has made me an independent man. She was very responsible and cooked delicious food - I still crave the creamy potatoes she used to cook!
Do you think that the advice you received from her has had a positive impact on your development?
Yes, I do. If my mother had not taken the time to supervise my homework, I wouldn't have managed to graduate. Thanks to her, I acquired a sense of discipline, which helped me a lot during my studies.
Are you still in touch with your SOS mother?
Sure, I have a very strong relationship with her. I always tell her, "You are the only one allowed to give me orders". She is 82 now and lives with her biological daughter.
I visit her frequently. She invites me to have lunch or dinner, and she is always happy to see me. I love her because she is kind and still cares for me now.
Do you remember all your SOS siblings' names, and how was your relationship with them?
Of course I remember their names! Mario, Carmela, María, Elena, Teresa, Fidel and Jesús.
We lived together just like biological siblings. Even though there were moments when we had fights, we took care of each other. My mother taught us to treat each other well, which resulted in good relationships. We also used to have a lot of sports competitions - basketball, football and various races.
Do you still have a good relationship with some of them?
I am still in regular contact with Teresa, who is encouraging me to finish my dissertation. I don't meet up with her that often, but I enjoy seeing her whenever we meet up. I have a close relationship with Mario because I work with him at the weekend. We make most of the weekends we spend together by having lunch together and talking. I also speak to Carmela quite often.
When I left the lawyer's office, Mario gave me a job. Carmela had also tried to find me a job in a store, but I didn't take her up on that because I was waiting for something in the field of law. I think any of my siblings would support me.
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| José Albino is a hard-working man |
Do you think that having grown up at an SOS Children's Villages is a good basis for success in life - no matter where you come from?
It is, because there's no evil or malicious intent at the village. It's not like an orphanage; it is like a home where you are free. People worry about your health, your dreams, and taking care of you. You can come in, go out, and you can make friends with other families.
What would you teach your children about life?
If I had children, I would teach them to be responsible, tidy and very honest, mainly to themselves. I would also teach them to be kind and to live in harmony with nature, because this makes you a better person.
What would you like people to know about SOS Children's Villages?
People should know that SOS Children's Villages is concerned about the welfare of children, that contributions do count, because people like me, who lost their parents or haven't even ever meet them, can find a new, loving home.
What's your advice for children who are living in SOS Children's Villages?
I would advise them to be obedient to their mothers and all people who support them in becoming good people.
* "Hogares Providencia" is an organisation that cares for children and young people.