Leaders of Unites #124 - Jaimy Jacott

29 October, 2025

I want to give young people in the Bijlmer a future

I used to game all the time, until my mom told me to go outside

My name is Jaimy Jacott, I’m 16 years old. I was born and raised in the Bijlmer, and I still live there with my mother. I didn’t have a bad childhood, but the Bijlmer wasn’t the ideal place for me to grow up. There weren’t many activities in the neighborhood.

As a kid, I spent hours gaming. I would play endlessly on my PlayStation or Nintendo DS. Besides my mother and brother, my mom’s best friend and her daughter also lived with us. I just did my own thing, and I liked it that way.

TBut at some point, my mom told me I needed to spend more time outside. My brother used to play basketball at the court near our home. I followed his example and started playing too. I think I was about eight years old. Later on, I joined Amsterdam Warriors.I’ve also always been involved with music from a young age.

I’ve played different instruments and was part of a band. Nowadays, I focus more on singing. I’m making tracks with a friend of mine, mostly R&B and rap. He has his own studio at home. I also want to pick up piano again, because it helps me with singing.

Music is incredibly important in my life. I couldn’t live without it. It’s even deeper in my heart than basketball. Every song tells its own story. And each track triggers a different emotion in me. Sometimes it makes me think or gives me strength. Sometimes I recognize myself in the lyrics, and other times I learn something new.

I want to study law in England after high school

Right now, I make music mostly because I enjoy it. But if I could actually make money with it someday, that would be a dream come true. I’d grab that opportunity with both hands. For now though, I’m focused on other things as well. I’m in my fourth year of havo and after graduation I want to study law in England.

I think it’ll be good for me to live somewhere other than the Bijlmer after sixteen years and see what new opportunities are out there. A new environment brings new experiences. That sounds really exciting to me. Besides, I’ve heard law studies have a great reputation there. And if it doesn’t work out. I can always come back.

Until then, I’m committed to my own community. Earlier this year, I completed the 3X3 Leader Course, and I see it as a great opportunity to make real change in my neighborhood. I’ve learned to reflect more on myself and to help build a community.

I want to give young people in the Bijlmer a future

I’m part of the Paperdome start-up team, and it’s amazing to see how often the venue is used. I want to give young people in the Bijlmer perspective, make sure there are activities for them and create a place where they can grow in different ways.

I’m convinced there’s a lot of talent in the Bijlmer, but it doesn’t always get the chance to shine. That’s why it’s so important that we now have a space where young people can discover who they are and what they love to do. A place where they can support and empower each other.

Right now, we mainly organize sports activities, but if it’s up to me, we’ll expand soon. The Paperdome should also become a place where young people can study or work on their mental health. We have great plans ready, though I can’t say too much yet. But trust me: good things are coming.

I recently stopped playing for Amsterdam Warriors because of a knee injury. I hope I can join a team again next season. But I still go to the court in the Bijlmer almost every day. I just take it a bit easier now. I want to stay active, otherwise I’ll lose all my skills.

Within the Paperdome start-up team, I’m responsible for communications. What I love about 3X3 Unites is that everyone is treated equally and young people are given a lot of responsibility. If you have a great idea, you get the space and support to develop it and make it happen. It really helps you grow as a person.