Kidz at Sea: Navigating futures for the youth through maritime opportunity

Kidz at Sea: Navigating futures for the youth through maritime opportunity

By Foresee Foundation

You don’t need to be a sailor to understand the metaphor: Young people adrift, searching for direction. At Kidz at Sea Foundation, they have chosen to take that image literally and change the outcome.

Over the years, they have worked with young people on St. Maarten, many of whom had never stepped foot on a boat, let alone imagined a career tied to the sea that surrounds them. The goal is not just to teach them how to sail, but to reframe the way they see themselves and their island. Confidence; Discipline; Focus – these aren’t just skills; they’re anchors.

At Kidz at Sea, our mission is to empower St. Maarten’s youth with the skills and confidence they need to build meaningful careers. By offering broad-based training modelled after international mega yacht crew standards, we prepare students to thrive in a wide range of maritime roles. From charter boats and marinas to specialized trades such as rigging and sail-making, our graduates are equipped to contribute to and elevate one of the island’s most vital industries.

Over the years, Kidz at Sea has proudly led several impactful initiatives. We began with boat-building projects in local schools and expanded to include keelboat construction with students at Milton Peters College. Many participants have completed certified training programs and have since launched successful careers – some as captains and crew on yachts; others working in charter services, the Coast Guard, or even as engineers abroad.

We believe every young person deserves the chance to build a bright future. The marine industry offers incredible opportunities for growth, and it all begins with that first step. With the support of local professionals and businesses, our students gain hands-on experience and invaluable mentorship. Let’s continue to invest in our youth, helping them find purpose, passion and a clear path forward right here on our island.

We’re always eager to connect with students between the ages of 17 and 25 who are interested in exploring a future in the maritime field. With three sessions already completed in 2025, our program will continue to run four times a year in 2026 and 2027. We also welcome local businesses looking to hire motivated, trained young professionals, or those willing to partner with us as mentors, hosts or supporters. To get involved, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can build stronger futures and a stronger St. Maarten.

This project is part of the “Strengthening Families Together” program – an initiative of 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.

The Daily Herald

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