October 1, 2025

'I Begin': Free children's book full of first steps, together with ABN AMRO and Children's Book Week

During Children's Book Week 2025, our partner ABN AMRO will launch the free reading and listening book I beginThe book brings together fifteen stories from children and Dutch celebrities about how a little support made all the difference for them. For 1.6 million children in the Netherlands, participating in sports, arts, and culture is not a given. For many of them, financial worries play a major role. I begin We want to inspire these children to make their dreams come true. Even before the official launch, interest was so great that a second printing was ordered. The book will be available in nearly 300 primary schools in the Netherlands and can be requested free of charge by schools.

'Faster than the wind' and other personal stories

In I begin Children and well-known Dutch people like Jörgen Raymann (Ambassador Youth Fund Sport & Culture Almere), Edson da Graca, and Sherida Spitse share their stories. They talk about their dreams, small victories, and their first steps in the world of sports, art, and culture. The texts were written by children's book author Malou de Roy van Zuydewijn and visually brought to life by artist Saša Ostoja. For example, Nigel (14) tells the story Faster than the wind How he met Usain Bolt and now dreams of the 2032 Olympic Games. That dream began with running shoes he was able to purchase thanks to support from the Youth Fund. Ambassador Jörgen Raymann also contributed to the book. “I know how important it is that someone believes in you when you are still young,” he emphasizes. “That confidence gives you the courage to take steps to start something new. This book is full of stories that show children that they can do it too.

Taking steps

Besides inspiration, the book also contains tips for parents and caregivers, with concrete references to programs that help children take their first steps in the world of sports, arts, and culture. Does a parent lack the funds for sports or culture? We hope the book will help them find their way to the Youth Fund – thanks to the stories of ambassadors Jörgen Raymann (59), Carita (14), Sorella (16), Nigel (14), Deyjah (5), and Séun (23). Schools can also register for educational programs at institutions such as the STRAAT Museum, H'ART Museum, and the Ajax Foundation. The book offers not only inspiration but also concrete tools to help children discover and develop their talents. “Children often have much more talent than they realize,” says Malou de Roy van Zuydewijn“By writing down their stories and showing them that their dreams can come true, I hope they experience how valuable their voice is.

Every child deserves to discover their talent, regardless of the circumstances they grow up in. With the children's book "Ik begin," we don't just want to share stories, we also want to contribute to a society in which equal opportunities are a given. That's why we're committed, together with our partners, to a systemic change that truly helps children reach their full potential. – Marguerite Bérard, CEO of ABN AMRO

Listen and read together

I begin is not just a book, but also a reading and listening experience. The stories are in Dutch, narrated by former 3FM DJ Sagid Carter. Thanks to the special reading and listening guide, children can also read the stories in English, Turkish, and Arabic – together with parents who don't speak Dutch themselves. So, the book is for everyone.

Free to order

Due to its success, the first printing has already been sold, but a second printing has been ordered. For schools with students who could use some extra support, the book "Ik begin" is available through abnamro.com/ikbeginhetboek Available to order for free in sets of 25. The stories are also available for everyone to read and listen to online via the same platform.

View the book 

From beginning to structural participation

The book I begin aligns with the goal of the partnership between the Youth Fund and ABN AMRO: A fair start and equal opportunities for all children and young people in the Netherlands. For example, in September the Week of the Beginning Nearly 4,000 children, for whom participation isn't a given, were given the opportunity to explore sports, arts, and culture throughout the country that week. And if a child wants to pursue something but doesn't have enough money at home, the Youth Fund can cover the tuition, membership fees, and materials. This way, we ensure that every child can participate, even if there's insufficient money at home.

Read more about the partnership