“Originally, I’m from Surinam and as an ex-colony of the Netherlands, the country continues to learn how to stand on its own two feet. I have proven this myself too, in a way: ‘I can do it, I matter and am strong!’ For years I have worked as a nurse and made sure that there was food on the table.

And still, there is nothing I’d rather do than giving people love and help, especially the older people here in Zaandam. This keeps me young and also gives me joy. Yes, I really enjoy living here and I don’t want to go anywhere else. Zaanstad really is my thing and I never feel like being dismissed or discriminated.”

Willy has three children, twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.