WE ARE RAISING ADULTS, NOT BABIES. This motto lies at the heart of our family values. We believe that meaningful conversations—whether they concern parents or children—belong at the dinner table. And one of the most important lessons we teach our children is the value of giving back.
Early on, my husband and I made a conscious decision: our sons, Zuilu and Alula, would grow up with a sense of responsibility not just to themselves, but to others—especially those less fortunate. As multicultural children raised in the Netherlands, with Ethiopian roots on their mother’s side and Aruban heritage on their father’s, they have rich cultural connections that span continents. We knew there was much they could give back to the communities their identities are rooted in.
A Giving Spirit From a Young Age
Their first charitable initiative began in 2019, when Zuilu was 8 and Alula was 6. Despite their young age, they showed no hesitation in stepping up. They recorded a heartfelt video message directed at their fellow students at De Singel School, a primary school in Leiden.
Their message was simple yet powerful: “Let’s help children in Ethiopia who do not have enough school materials.”
How It Was Done
To ensure the message reached every student across all grades, the school arranged for the boys’ video to be broadcast on TVs installed in every classroom. The announcement came two months before the summer break—perfect timing that allowed students and parents enough room to prepare and contribute.
The school also set up a donation table at the entrance, making it easy for students to drop off their contributions as they arrived each day.
A Heartfelt Response from the School
The reaction from De Singel was deeply encouraging. Teachers and students alike were moved. One particularly touching moment came in the form of an email from Arend-Jan Sleijster, the teacher of group 4. Here’s what he wrote:
Dear parent(s),
This morning I’ve shown group 4 the video-clip made by Zuilu and Alula.
I was very impressed.
And so were my pupils.I’ve promised Zuilu and the 18 others that we will make an effort.
And—try to—fill a box.I would like to contact NOS Jeugdjournaal and tell them about a remarkable initiative by two youngsters at RKBS De Singel in Leiden, and send them the video-clip.
They might be as impressed as I was.
And pick it up…
And make an item of it…Therefore this question:
Would you approve of me contacting NOS Jeugdjournaal?Please think it over.
Because the follow-up might involve you (two) on camera as well…I’m very proud of Zuilu and Alula.
And of their parents.
I would love to help maximize their appeal on behalf of children in Ethiopia.Please let me know what your thoughts are as soon as possible.
For now, a very peaceful weekend!
Arend-Jan Sleijster
RKBS De Singel, Group 4
To see a teacher respond with such warmth and admiration meant the world to us. His email reminded us that no act of kindness is too small—and that even a classroom initiative can resonate far beyond the school walls.
Bridging Continents Through Compassion
All donations collected were sent to Ethiopia, and by a stroke of fortune and kindness, Ambassador Million, from the Ethiopian Embassy in the Netherlands, happened to be traveling to Ethiopia that summer. He generously offered to personally deliver the donations, saving us shipping costs and ensuring the materials reached children directly.
What began as a small act of kindness by two young boys blossomed into something far-reaching. Their charity effort connected children in the Netherlands with children in Ethiopia, even bringing a diplomatic figure into the circle of goodwill. It became more than a project—it became a beautiful bridge between communities, cultures, and continents.
