Bonaire residents to shape future policies through major quality of life study
Residents of Bonaire will have their voices heard in a new study aimed at improving well-being and housing conditions. The findings will directly influence local policies, ensuring support meets the community’s needs. Participation is key to shaping a better future for the island.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Conducted By | Het PON & Telos (Tilburg) |
| Focus Areas | Well-being, housing, income, work, education, health, social contacts, safety |
| Target Groups | Social program participants, family members, life coaches, OLB employees |
| Timeline | |
| - Kick-off & Training | March 2026 |
| - Fieldwork | February – May 2026 |
| - Analysis & Reporting | June – August 2026 |
| - Results Presentation | August – September 2026 |
| Pilot Project Highlight | Specialized coaching for people with mild intellectual disabilities (LVB) |
| Deputy Leading the Study | Peter Silberie |
| Director of Society & Care | Gerold van Elshuis |
The Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) is responsible for local governance and policy implementation on the island. This study is part of its broader effort to align social and housing policies with the needs of Bonaire’s residents, ensuring targeted support for vulnerable groups.
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external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
The Public Entity Bonaire Launches Important Study on Quality of Life and Housing on Bonaire
The study is being conducted by research agency Het PON & Telos from Tilburg.
The Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) is taking an important step to further improve the well-being of its residents. The Department of Society and Care of the OLB recently launched a study into the quality of life and housing needs on Bonaire during a kick-off meeting. This study is part of the program plan “Working Towards Prosperity and Well-being on Bonaire.” All chain partners within the social domain were invited to the kick-off meeting.
With this study, the OLB aims to gain a better understanding of what residents need to live comfortably, participate in society, and thrive. The findings will help the OLB align its policies and support more effectively with the needs of the people on Bonaire.
Deputy Peter Silberie opened the meeting and emphasized that the OLB is actively committed to building a strong and healthy society on Bonaire. He expressed the hope that the study will quickly yield valuable data. With this information, the OLB can better understand and support vulnerable groups. Gerold van Elshuis, Director of the Department of Society and Care, noted that collaboration plays a key role in this effort, both within the OLB and with various ministries.
The study is being conducted by research agency Het PON & Telos from Tilburg. Preparation for the study took place from February 23 to 27, 2026. During the kick-off meeting, Het PON & Telos provided fieldwork training to the interviewers who will carry out the study.
The study focuses on various groups within society. Interviews will be conducted with participants of social programs, their family members, life coaches, social organizations, and OLB employees. This will give the OLB a clear picture of the different experiences and needs.
- Kick-off meeting and training
- Fieldwork – February through May 2026
- Analysis and reporting – June through August 2026
- Presentation of results – August through September 2026
The researchers will examine topics that are important for broad prosperity, such as well-being, housing, income, work and leisure, education, health, social contacts, and safety. With this information, the OLB can work more effectively on policies that enhance the quality of life on Bonaire.
During the kick-off meeting, Mr. Hyrick Clarenda also gave a presentation on a pilot project for specialized client coaching. His company provides coaching to people with mild intellectual disabilities (LVB). Since 2023, his company has been working on a pilot project in which participants receive coaching and guidance with the goal of becoming more independent. The support helps them participate more fully in society.
The life coaches work intensively with the participants, offering both individual and group guidance. The support is easily accessible and tailored to the needs of the participants.
The project demonstrates that targeted support can make a difference. Over the past year, several participants have become more independent. One participant earned an MBO level 1 diploma, and another started their own business.
The Department of Society and Care will share the study results with the Bonairean community later this year.