A birth certificate isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s a vital document that grants children access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social support. But for siblings H. (11) and V. (9), obtaining this “passport” was a long and arduous journey filled with hurdles.

A mountain of challenges

Their mother, Ms. D., has been the sole provider for the family since earlier this year, when Mr. M., the children’s father, entered rehab. Juggling a low-paying warehouse job, Ms. D. shoulders the heavy burden of raising two kids while also supporting her unemployed brother-in-law.

The family’s complicated circumstances turned the process of obtaining birth certificates into a bureaucratic nightmare. The biggest challenge? A court-mandated recognition of paternity. This required costly DNA testing, exhaustive legal procedures, and tracking down long-missing documents.

Without birth certificates, the kids faced the risk of missing the age cutoff for first grade. It wasn’t until H. turned 10 and V. turned 8 that they were finally able to start school.

Hope against the odds

In August 2024, SCDI was connected to help the family navigate this journey. We helped mobilize resources and support to expedite the process, as well as covered DNA testing fees to ease the family’s financial strain.

While waiting for the paperwork, SCDI and Hyundai Jump School volunteers stepped up to keep the kids engaged, offering life skills workshops and academic tutoring. The local school also made an exception, allowing H. and V. to start classes in September 2024 even though they lacked official documents. Both kids flourished, quickly catching up academically and earning the respect of teachers and classmates.

Photo: A local school welcomed the two children even though their birth certificates were still pending.

Photo: The two children during a study session with a volunteer tutor from Hyundai Jump School.

With the collective effort of local authorities, community leaders, and SCDI, the court prioritized the case. After nearly nine months, the paternity ruling was finally issued in April 2025. Overjoyed, Ms. D. wasted no time completing the birth registration process for her children.

Photo: Ms. D. completed the birth registration process for them.

H. and V. are just two of many children supported by SCDI’s “Breaking the Cycle” initiative, which focuses on helping kids without birth certificates. These documents are crucial for accessing basic services like education and healthcare. By tackling these barriers, the project aims to give children the tools they need to break free from the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures.