Genius

“My name is Genielle and I am in Grade 5 at Papaya School. There are five of us at home: my father, mother, older brother John Aldrin, my 13-year-old sister Angelie and myself.

My father works hard to make sure we have food and clothes and that we can go to school. Fortunately, my sister receives an Apple Scholarship and I go to Papaya School, because even though my parents work hard, there is often not enough money. When we are ill and need to see a doctor, sometimes we cannot afford it. My mother has an underactive thyroid and because she can't go to the doctor often enough for treatment, let alone surgery, she is sometimes in a lot of pain. Even though she tries to hide it, I find that very upsetting.

Due to her health, my mother cannot work very much, but she does earn some extra money by working for our neighbours when she can. She cuts banana leaves for rice cakes. She tries to save the money she earns from this for check-ups at the doctor.

I myself attend Papaya School and I really enjoy it there. I am also a member of the school's table tennis team. I saw how the table tennis players represent our school every year during competitions and I really wanted to do that too!

The great thing about my school is that the teachers always understand how things are at home. They always try to take my mother's situation into account and help her out. It's a huge help that the Papaya School provides us with school supplies such as books, pens, notebooks and other things. And we also get a tasty lunch every school day.

I am really trying my best at school and would like to continue studying, just like my sister. Hopefully, I will also receive a scholarship!”