The Netherlands
Did you know… that the roots of Wavemakers are in the Netherlands? In 2017, founder Tilly Stroo successfully launched the ‘Dutch Wavemakers’; a group of youth with a passion for water and energy inspiring the next generation to contribute solving the global water crisis. But where water doesn’t stop at the border, neither did we and in 2022 we successfully launched the Wavemakers United Foundation and continued building Waves in other countries.
Local Impact
Every country has their own challenges related to water and so do we. The biggest challenge in the Netherlands; too much water. However due to climate changer our summers are getting dryer and dryer.
We need all the bright minds to keep up with the Dutch water problems, but the water sector is aging.The student numbers in core watermanagement courses are relatively low: In total, approximately 600 students graduated in water core courses in the Netherlands in 2022, of which only 90 at ‘MBO’level, and 500 at ‘HBO/WO level.
Targets
The dutch wave contributes in the water challenges by focussing on 2 specific goals:
- Stimulate the inflow of young people in the Dutch watr-related (mbo, hbo, wo) education, with urgency for the mbo.
- Make pupils and students enthusiastic about the blue work field.
For both objectives, there is an explicit focus on cooperation between educational programs/organizations in the blue domain on the one hand and (water-related) and educational programs/organizations in the green domain on the other.
Inspirational guest lecture by Athlete ambassador Scipio Houtman and Jason Frederick
Activities
The Netherlands is a big water sport nation and therefore we work closely with sailors, swimmers, windsurfers and kiters. Through guest lectures or representing Wavemakers United at events, they inspire future generations to choose for a study in the field by making them water enthusiasts!
Education
Together with our partners we work hard to create a broader integration of water in the school curriculum of geography.
In addition we aim to increase awareness among young people about climate adaptation through our educational water labs.
Connecting platforms
Our mission is to bring together young people with a passion for water, food and energy in an ever-growing national and international community.
We organise events, online campaigns and connect sport with culture.
young professionals
We support the deployment of youth managers and young professionals within the water boards also contribute in internal education programs.
You don’t have to be an athlete in order to be a wavemaker! We are seeking young professionals and students who like to contribute in achieving the globat water challenges.
