Arbeitskreis für historischen Schiffbau in Ostfriesland e.V.

The Arbeitskreis was founded to plan and execute the build of a replica seagoing Tjalk, a traditional wooden flat bottom freight vessel. The boat was built with professionals, volunteers, and unemployed youth. The build was completed in 2005 though the vessel has yet to sail. Since 2019 the organization has, after a long hiatus, re-introduced youth programs in cooperation with the Youth Bureau and is planning their expansion. The Tjalk will be used for on the water programs and the workshop for classes and programs. This way we aim to offer access to the local environment as well as traditional craftsmanship and seamanship to all kinds of populations but particularly children and youth. Current programs include a several months long professional orientation internship for unemployed young adults, a weekly furniture (team) building group for young adults, and a weekly boatbuilding course for highschool students. We also offer courses through the local community college (vhs). For our membership we offer bi-annual crane dates and winter storage for boats, practical and moral support with maintenance, and seasonal socials. We are supported by our membership, the City of Emden, the Job Center (unemployment agency), local organizations, private donations, and received funding from the Klosterkammer Hannover.