Last week, the WAVS community gathered to celebrate an exciting milestone: 50 students graduated from our vocational programs in Guinea-Bissau.
The ceremony was held inside the new WAVS training center, marking the first graduation to take place in this expanded space. It was a joyful and meaningful day, filled with pride, music, and hope for what lies ahead.
Celebrating Hard Work and Achievement
This graduating class included:
- 15 English students
- 23 computer literacy students
- 12 welding students
Each graduate has spent months showing up early, staying late, and working through challenges to learn practical skills that can change the course of their lives. As they proudly received their diplomas, the room was filled with celebration — and with recognition of how far they’ve come.
The event was attended by local government leaders, including the mayor of Bissau, and the director of the country’s vocational education training oversight agency. The event was covered by local radio and television stations.
A Celebration Led by Students and Staff
One of the most meaningful moments of the ceremony came from the WAVS community itself. Students wrote and performed a song as a gift to the school, expressing their gratitude and hopes for the future. Local staff also shared a song they wrote in dedication to their school as well.
Even the details of the ceremony told a powerful story: the podium used during graduation was built by WAVS carpentry students.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the recent ceremony the school hosted to celebrate the graduation of 50 students.
Graduation Is Just the Beginning
While graduation is a major achievement, it’s also a transition point.
In Guinea-Bissau, most skilled workers are responsible for bringing their own tools to the job. For welding, carpentry, and computer graduates, this can be a significant barrier. Without tools, even the most committed graduate can struggle to begin earning income and supporting themselves and their families.
That’s where the WAVS New Entrepreneurs Program (NEP) comes in.
Through NEP, graduates receive high-quality, affordable starter tool kits — including welding and carpentry tools, as well as laptops — so they can put their training into practice and take the next step into meaningful work.
Help Graduates Take the Next Step
As we celebrate this graduating class, we’re also looking ahead. Right now, WAVS is raising $40,000 to provide high-quality tool kits for 85 graduates in welding, carpentry, and computer literacy. Thanks to generous donors, every gift made before the end of the year will be 100% matched.
Your support helps turn lessons learned into lasting livelihoods.
Thank you for celebrating with us — and for being part of what comes next for WAVS graduates.
