Blad 30 uit Stamboek van de leerlingen der Koloniale School voor Meisjes en Vrouwen te 's-Gravenhage deel II (1930-1949) Possibly 1931 - 1937

This is page 30 from the registry of students at the Colonial School for Girls and Women in The Hague, dating from between 1930 and 1949. These registries offer a portal into the complex relationship between the Netherlands and its colonies. They reveal the experiences of women who were being trained for roles within the colonial system. As we look closer, we see the women’s names, places of origin, and intended destinations within the Dutch colonies. Small photographs offer a rare glimpse into their individual identities. But these images belie the broader political and social context. Consider the school's role in perpetuating colonial power structures, and the ambiguous position of these women. Were they agents of empire, or were they navigating the limited opportunities available to them? I wonder what it felt like to be caught between personal aspirations and the demands of a colonial system? The very existence of this registry invites us to reflect on the legacies of colonialism and its impact on individual lives.