West African Vocational Schools

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More than 2,000 West African youth have been equipped with life-changing job skills so far, thanks to the One Student community! In just a few months, WAVS vocational schools in Guinea-Bissau will launch new training programs in carpentry and machining that will transform the lives of up to 100 young men and women each year. But to keep tuition affordable, these new students need sponsors. Each student invests in their own education by paying a small part of their tuition. To keep it affordable, One Student members cover the rest.? Would you be willing to sponsor a student? By giving $30 per month (the average hourly wage in the U.S.), you can sponsor a student. And if you join before the end of March, a generous donor will match your gift for the first 4 months, doubling your impact! Learn more at wavschools.org/one-student.?

What can one hour of your wages do each month? ?? It can give a student at WAVS vocational schools in Guinea-Bissau the skills they need to work for a brighter future. Join One Student and give one hour of your wages per month— whether that's $50, $30,?$15, or any other amount. And if you join before March 31, your impact will be doubled for the first four months! Together, we can invest in the next generation of Guinea-Bissau’s leaders. ?? Learn more and sign up today: https://lnkd.in/d6ATWRd4

Ivanildo and Vanov met while studying welding at a WAVS vocational school. They quickly realized they made a great team—finishing projects faster when they worked together. So instead of searching for jobs after graduation, they took a bold step: they launched their own welding shop! They carefully chose an underserved neighborhood in Bissau, built their workshop from scrap materials, and already have a growing list of clients. ?? But their time at WAVS didn’t just prepare them for work—it also strengthened their faith. Through weekly devotionals, Ivanildo was inspired to start attending church, while Vanov found encouragement to live out his faith every day, not just on Sundays. This is what happens when young people in Guinea-Bissau are given an opportunity. They gain the skills to transform their future—and grow in their faith along the way. ?? Read their full story: https://lnkd.in/gS4HmKxS ?? Join One Student and help more young people gain the training they need to earn a livable income. By donating just one hour of your wages each month, you can sponsor a student. And if you join before March 31, a generous donor will match your gift for the first four months, doubling your impact! ?? Join today: wavschools.org/one-student

We’re excited to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the nearly complete new training center! ?? Watch the video from our Executive Director, Chris Collins, to see the progress. In just a few months, WAVS vocational schools in Guinea-Bissau will launch new training programs in carpentry and machining that will transform the lives of up to 100 young men and women each year. But to keep tuition affordable, these new students need sponsors. Would you be willing to sponsor a student? By giving $30 per month (the average hourly wage in the U.S.), you can sponsor a student. And if you join before the end of March, a generous donor will match your gift for the first 4 months, doubling your impact! Learn more at wavschools.org/one-student.?

In Guinea-Bissau, most families don’t have a choice. In this tiny country in West Africa, most people live on less than $2 a day. So it’s no surprise that families struggle just to put food on the table. But there’s hope. When at least one person in a household is equipped with a new job skill, they can earn enough to provide for themselves and their families – for the rest of their lives! In just a few months, WAVS vocational schools in Guinea-Bissau will launch new training programs in carpentry and machining that will transform the lives of up to 100 young men and women each year. But to keep tuition affordable, these new students need sponsors. ?? Join One Student today and help young men and women in West Africa gain the training they need to build a brighter future. ?? Give one hour of your wages per month—— whether that's $50, $30,?$15, or any other amount. And if you join before March 31, your impact will be doubled for the first four months! ?? Learn more at https://lnkd.in/d6ATWRd4

Big milestone! Since 2022, over 500 students have trained at the WAVS Bissau campus, gaining valuable skills in welding and beyond. With enrollment growing each term, WAVS is expanding its impact with new training opportunities. #MilestoneReached #VocationalTraining #EducationMatters #BrighterFutures

Meet Marame. Marame is determined to achieve her dream of becoming an interpreter. She began studying English in Bafata, but since there wasn't a university there she moved to Bissau to continue her education, recognizing that learning a foreign language is essential for future opportunities. "My dream is to be able to speak English and become an interpreter," Marame shares. "It’s really good to know a foreign language because you don’t know where you will find an opportunity to work." She sees English as a key to unlocking new possibilities, especially in roles with NGOs that require language skills. Marame’s advice to others is clear: "Work hard, because everything you want in life requires effort. You can't stop when it gets hard."?

Staff trainings always have an element of fun to them at the WAVS schools! During the December training, staff participated in a dance variation of the game "telephone". #stafftraining #teambonding

Meet Tiofilu, one of our incredible Computer Literacy Program interns! After successfully completing a two-term internship, Tiofilu was awarded a brand-new computer to continue growing his skills and pursuing his dreams. Pictured here with his instructor, Dauda (left), and WAVS Country Director, Sloan (right), Tiofilu’s dedication is a testament to how education and opportunity can transform lives. #computerskills #computerteacher #computertraining #IT #jobskills #westafrica #equip #giveopportunity #pursueyourdreams