Launch children’s book

On Monday, 29 September 2025, ABN AMRO will launch the children’s book 'Ik begin' during Children’s Book Week. The book can be ordered free of charge by schools. 'Ik begin' features 15 inspiring, true stories from children and Dutch celebrities. They share moments when they decided: I’m beginning! I’m going to do what I love most. These children took a first step. They seized the opportunity to do what they truly want.

The stories are written by author Malou de Roy van Zuydewijn, and Saša Ostoja’s illustrations truly bring the stories to life. In addition to the stories, the book offers practical tips for parents and caregivers who need extra support. These tips refer to programmes offered by our partners that help children participate in sports, arts and culture.

Why this book?

In the Netherlands, 1.6 million children grow up without access to sports, arts or cultural activities, increasing the risk of social, emotional and personal disadvantage in society.

At ABN AMRO, we’ve been committed to equal opportunities for over twenty years, enabling children and young people to discover and develop their full potential. By offering opportunities early on in life, children get the extra support they need. This helps them to move forward and to keep moving forward. This year, we are a partner of Children’s Book Week. Through this collaboration, the Book Week endorses the initiative and the book’s message.

We work to achieve this goal together with ABN AMRO Foundation and partners such as the Youth Sports & Culture Fund, the Esther Vergeer Foundation, Fonds Gehandicaptensport, Ajax and the Ajax Foundation, STRAAT Museum, H’ART Museum and the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam.