When the Zoetermeerse Magalie first came to the Netherlands Antilles, she was sure: this is where I belong. She wanted nothing more than to emigrate. She has been living on Bonaire since 2018, where she has a job as a teacher in prison.
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Magalie remembers it well, the first time they set foot on an ABC island. That was Curaçao, not Bonaire where she would later live. She was there with her mother and stepfather, who used to live on the island. Her sister was also with her, who was born on Curaçao. ”When I arrived in Curaçao I thought: why didn’t we stay here? It felt like coming home. On the way back I even cried because I was so sorry to leave.”
Winter dip
Once back in the Dutch Zoetermeer, Magalie notices that she is suffering from winter depressions. ”I was always a bit gloomier in the winter, but in recent years in the Netherlands it has become increasingly worse. That was actually not for me, because I am normally a very positive person.” Magalie can’t get Curaçao out of her head. Five years after her first visit to the island, she decides to try to find work there. “Unfortunately that was not possible, there were many applicants and it was therefore difficult to get a job.”
Never leave
When a cousin advises Magalie to focus on Bonaire, the ball suddenly starts rolling quickly. “There were many jobs on Bonaire and I was hired very quickly.” That news feels very mixed for Magalie. ”On the one hand I was overjoyed, on the other hand it was also an exciting step. Moreover, my partner Hans had indicated that he did not want to come along.” Still, Magalie has no doubts about her dream. “I wanted it so bad that I was sure I had to do it. Fortunately, Hans also granted me this adventure.” When Magalie then arrived on Bonaire, she was confirmed in her choice. “I immediately thought: I am at home here. And I never want to leave here.”
‘I have built up a good relationship with some of the prisoners’
In jail
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Besides a new place to live, Magalie later also gets a new job. Namely as a teacher in a prison. “I think it is very special that I can do and experience all of this. In recent times I have built up a good relationship with many prisoners. Some did not want to know anything about me or the lessons at first, but now ask themselves when I will come again.”
Of course Magalie hears harrowing and sometimes frightening stories in prison. ”But I treat everyone the same regardless of their background or past. My students in prison know that too and they like it. Actually, I was not supposed to know why they were detained, but in some cases I found out because of media attention. I was a bit shocked by that, but I certainly don’t feel unsafe.”
Family reunion
When Magalie lives on Bonaire for fifteen months, Hans also makes the switch. “He started working here on a tourist bus and he also gives homework guidance and Dutch lessons.” Magalie’s daughter has also temporarily moved in with them. ”She was unable to go to university during the corona period. She then sublet her room and came to us. In the end, she lived on Bonaire for two years.”
Adopted dog Bonnie
In addition, Magalie and Hans have embraced a new family member: Bonito, their Bonerian dog. “We adopted him. He was mistreated by his previous owners. You can see burns from cigarette butts and even scars from ax blows on his torso, very pathetic. Fortunately, Bonito, Bonnie as I call him, is now very well with us.” says Magalia. If it is up to her, the family will permanently stay on Bonaire. She is not homesick. ”Hans finds it more difficult to get used to. I hope he eventually falls in love with this place as much as I do.”
Who is the next Zoetermeer of the week?
Do you also have a special story? Or do you know a Zoetermeer that we really need to interview? Let us know at [email protected]. These Zoetermeers preceded you.