De Ster Zuidhorn

De Ster is a small work and learning enterprise in Zuidhorn, the Netherlands, supporting people with intellectual or social disabilities to discover their talents and build skills. Its approach is based on the belief that everyone is equal, unique, and entitled to a meaningful life. De Ster offers daytime activities and guidance toward employment in the regular workforce, with tasks carried out within a regular business environment.

Participants can take part in practical work such as stocking a shop, sawing and splitting firewood, filling animal-feed bags, growing vegetables, loading and unloading goods with a forklift or combitruck, and cleaning tanks. Activities are matched to each person’s abilities, pace, and interests. Every participant has a personal development plan identifying goals and the support needed to work toward them.

De Ster provides supervision and support for work-related and social development. A personal budget (PGB) is required to access this guidance, and participants may have the opportunity to earn a forklift certificate. Work can be done alongside others or independently where appropriate.