By Foresee Foundation
After months of dedication in Sea & Learn Foundation’s Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP), a group of Saba teens made the journey to Sint Maarten last summer. They travelled off-island for a morning of sailing, putting their teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills into action in an entirely new setting.
The students, part of last year’s YELP cohort, had already earned their PADI Open Water scuba certifications through consistent training, study, and in-water practice. Through weekly nature-focused lessons and structured dive sessions, they learned about marine ecosystems, safety procedures, and environmental responsibility. Just as importantly, they learned to rely on one another. Scuba diving demands trust: Checking a buddy’s gear, communicating clearly underwater, and staying aware of the team at all times. The sailing trip to Sint Maarten built on that foundation.
For many of the teens, it was their first time working together on a sailboat. Hoisting sails, reading the wind, balancing weight and steering as a coordinated crew required focus and cooperation. Every role mattered. If one person hesitated, the entire boat felt it. If one person succeeded, everyone moved forward.
Guided by young instructors from the Maritime School of the West Indies, islanders who themselves built careers through hands-on maritime training, the teens saw a powerful example of what is possible. They were not just learning how to sail; they were seeing potential career pathways in maritime industries, eco-tourism, and marine services. The experience transformed abstract possibilities into something tangible and real.
Beyond the technical skills, the trip strengthened bonds. On the water, communication had to be clear and respectful. Leadership shifted naturally depending on the task at hand. Students, who may struggle in traditional classroom settings, demonstrated confidence and capability in this practical environment. The sense of accomplishment at the end of the morning was unmistakable – not just individual pride, but collective achievement.
Sea and Learn’s Youth Environmental Leadership Program (YELP) is part of the Strengthening Families Together Program – an initiative by Oranje Fonds and Kinderpostzegels, with Foresee Foundation for the Windward Islands coordinating the capacity-building component. The program supports organizations across the Dutch Caribbean with knowledge, networks, and funding to strengthen vulnerable families.
Experiences like the Sint Maarten sailing trip show the deeper impact of YELP. By combining environmental education with real-world maritime exposure, the program equips Saba’s youth with confidence, practical skills, and a broader vision for their future. When young people learn to navigate both the sea and teamwork together, they begin to see that they are capable of navigating life’s challenges as well, wherever the tide may take them.
