De Wilde Vaart

De Wilde Vaart is a charity based in Westknollendam, Netherlands working on employment & skills, justice & legal aid, mental health.

Stichting De Wilde Vaart is a Dutch non-profit foundation based in Westknollendam (Zaanstad) that helps people with a large distance to the labour market, aged 17 to 55, find paid work. It uses a ship and a quay workshop as the base for a learning-and-work route, combining accommodation, daytime activities and vocational training. Participants gain maritime skills and certificates, then move to work placements on partner vessels or in nautical companies, and are supported towards paid jobs as sailors. Referrals come from neighbourhood teams, the Wmo desk, probation services, youth care and justice partners. The foundation also offers forensic care under a contract with the Dutch justice department (DJI). It holds ANBI status and is funded by several foundations, including Kansfonds, Ars Donandi and Startfoundation.