Nine year old Wim dreams of going to school - but he lives in an orphanage. With the other orphans, he is exploited and has to work hard every day at the illegal broom factory in the orphanage basement. The children are desperate for the Education Act to come into force, which will make education compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 12. When Wim manages to escape, Jet lets him hide out at their farm. It is the start of a race against time full of exciting adventures, mischief and new friendships – all while trying to keep Wim out of the hands of the headmistress of the orphanage.