“My name is Jazz, and I’m eleven years old. I live in Payatas with my mum and dad. There are only three of us in the family, because I’m an only child.
This year, I went through one of the hardest times of my life — my grandfather passed away. He meant the world to me, and losing him left a void in my heart. Sometimes I still cry when I think of him, but I also tell myself that he is now watching over me from above. I carry his memory with me every day, and I know he would want me to stay strong, keep dreaming, and never give up.
Every morning in Payatas, I wake up early to get ready for school. The streets outside are already bustling — neighbours greeting one another, children in school uniforms rushing off to class, and people heading to work. My parents also get ready for their day. They both work as housekeepers. Their jobs are tiring, but no matter how long and difficult their days are, they always come home full of love for me. They ask about school, they encourage me, and they remind me to keep studying hard. I know they work so hard because they want me to have a brighter future, and that’s why I want to make them proud.
I study at Papaya, a place that feels like a second home. My teachers guide me with patience, and my friends bring laughter to my days. I love learning new things, even when the lessons are difficult. That moment when something suddenly clicks is like discovering a hidden treasure.
During breaks, I share stories with my classmates, and those simple joys remind me that happiness can be found in the little things. Outside school, I spend time on my hobbies. I love reading books, because they take me to magical places far away from Payatas. Books give me the chance to dream big and imagine a future full of possibilities. I also write poems, which are like pieces of my heart written on paper. Sometimes, I write about joy and laughter. Other times, I write about sadness and missing my grandfather. Writing makes me feel free — as if I am speaking to the world in my own voice.
When I come home after school, I do my homework, read or write poems. In the evening, when my parents come home, we have dinner together. Even if they’re tired, we laugh and share stories about our day. Those moments of love and togetherness make our little family feel complete. Life in Payatas isn’t always easy, but it has taught me something important: that love makes everything brighter. I may not have many material possessions, but I feel rich with my parents’ love, the memory of my grandfather, the lessons I learn at school and the dreams in my heart.
”One day, I want to finish my studies and repay my parents for all their sacrifices. I want to build a life in which our family can live comfortably and happily. Until then, I will carry on studying, reading, writing and dreaming — carrying with me the love of my family and the memory of my grandfather, who continues to inspire me.”
English 
Dutch