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Amid the bustling streets of Surf City and the relentless rain, I had an experience with a child that will stay with me forever. Outside Sunset Park -- an amusement park located in La Libertad, El Salvador -- a bright-eyed girl, about seven years old, drenched and determined, was selling bottles of water. As she took a break to help her mother with her baby sister, our eyes met, and she offered me the most heart-warming smile.

With a polite plea to buy a bottle for just 45 US cents, her circumstances were painfully clear. I handed her a US$5 bill, asking her to keep the change so she could earn a little more from her hard work. Her reaction was pure joy--she squealed, rushed to hug her older sister, and they both came running back to thank me, their faces aglow with happiness. The sight brought tears to my eyes, and their parents joined in, their gratitude deeply touching me. As we said our goodbyes, I knew this little girl would forever hold a special place in my heart.

Throughout my tour, I saw many other children in similar situations -- little girls wiping car windows at stop lights, others begging alongside their mothers. Yet, despite their struggles, the warmth and friendliness of Salvadorans were undeniable. From the homeless to the well-off, everyone greeted us with a wave or a smile.

I was in El Salvador to cover the Huawei Seeds for the Future competition, an initiative focused on nurturing local ICT talent and fostering global communication. Just a few years ago, the thought of travelling to El Salvador would have been daunting, given its history of gang violence and high crime rates. But the country has transformed remarkably. With a homicide rate of just 2.4 per 100,000 people, it now boasts the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere.

My journey started with an unexpected twist. Upon arrival, border protection agents detained me for over half an hour despite the clear purpose of my visit. However, this intense scrutiny marked the beginning of what turned out to be a profoundly rewarding experience.

El Salvador is also rich in historical sites and natural beauty, including El Boqueron National Park, known for its enormous crater and diverse wildlife. On the day I arrived, a 6.1-magnitude earthquake rocked the country, but the locals remained unshaken, and life continued with remarkable resilience.

El Salvador is a land of resilience, warmth, and stunning beauty -- a country that has rewritten its story and now embraces a future brimming with hope and promise.