Most pupils start at the Papaya School when they are 5, in ‘Kindergarten’, which is similar to Year 2 in the Netherlands. This year, however, Ezekiel (6) started in Year 1 (Year 3). Here’s what he has to say about it: “We came to the school for my younger sister. My mum wanted to try and get her a place in Kindergarten, and then we heard there was still a place in Year 1! That’s the class I was due to join after the summer. I took a test and then they chose me! I really wanted to go to the Papaya School too, and it worked out. And my little sister is now in nursery. I’ve just been really lucky!”
Ezekiel: “We live in a small house, together with my grandmother. My father died of a heart attack last year. Now my mum looks after us and our grandmother all on her own. She gets up very early every morning, even before the sun comes up. She’s a street sweeper and works hard to keep the streets clean. That’s how she earns her living.
I miss my dad so much. Every day I look at his photo and think about the happy times we had together. When my dad died, some of our relatives were really mean. When my mum was out at work, they would sometimes come round. We hoped they’d come to help us, but they said nasty things and hit us. My little sister and I ended up with bruises and it scared us too. Luckily, our granny lives with us now and she looks after us when Mum’s at work. Granny’s really lovely too!”
Ezekiel is only in Year 1, but we’re already curious about his dreams: “Our mum works really hard. She does it mainly for us. That’s why I try my very best at school and really want to become a doctor. Then I’ll be able to make people better, but also look after my mum, so she can have a better life. I really, really hope so. And right now, I’m just really happy to be at this school, and so is my little sister. There are lovely teachers, school supplies, sports and food every day. I’m always happy here.”
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