Welcome to The Yearbook
As a One Student member, you’re part of a community of people who are creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to work for a brighter future. To celebrate this exciting work, we’ve created The Yearbook. At the end of every quarter, visit The Yearbook to see your impact up close.
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Highlights
Ms. Hoshino visits the new Training Center under construction with WAVS representatives
WAVS welcomes a representative of the Japanese Embassy
Ms. Hoshino Sawa, a representative of the Japanese Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, visited the WAVS flagship campus in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, recently. She was impressed with the recent construction progress on the new Training Center. In 2022, the Japanese embassy helped fund the construction of the first classroom building at the Bissau campus.
WAVS welding students display one of the custom desks they recently built
Welding students fabricate products for French Cultural Center of Bissau
WAVS welding students at the Bissau campus have taken on several projects recently for the local community, which give students hands-on practice and also help bring in additional income for the school. These projects include custom desks for the French Cultural Center in Bissau, the capital city.
Machines for new programs are unloaded recently at the new Training Center
Machines for the new training programs arrive at the Bissau campus
Thanks to generous donors, along with funding from a Rotary International grant, WAVS recently purchased and imported several machines that will be used for new programs in machining and carpentry. The machines have arrived and been unloaded in the new Training Center! The new classes start in September.
Around Campus
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The welding students have almost completed their year-long course!
The welding department was commissioned to make these desks for the French Cultrual Center Library!
Raise the roof! The new training center at the Bissau campus is almost complete.
We want Jesus’ love to transform every student’s life. That’s why our committed local Christian teachers set aside time each week in class to share a simple message: Jesus changes everything – how we work, live, and love others.
Espéria, the only female welding student, working on a project.
Stairs being installed to the second story landing in the new training center.
Behind the Scenes
Spotlight
Luizinho Rodrigues
Welding Student
Meet Luizinho Rodrigues
Luizinho has always wanted to become independent and build a better future. After finishing high school in 2019, he planned to study welding with his younger brother, but health issues forced him to delay his education. He finally enrolled at the WAVS vocational school, determined to pursue the career he’s wanted for years. Each day, he wakes up at 5 a.m. and travels from Safim to attend class by 8, all while continuing to sell clothes at the local market to support himself.
“I have a dream to do great things. But I know I have to work hard.”
Luizinho chose welding because it’s something he genuinely enjoys and sees as a path to stability. He hopes to one day start his own business and use his success to help others in need. He’s grateful for the opportunity to study and dreams of giving back by supporting future students.
Where are they now?
Read stories about WAVS Graduates.
From Students to to Business Owners: How Learning Welding Transformed Ivanildo and Vanov’s Future
What happens when someone living in poverty is given the chance to learn a new [...]
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To finish university, Rukas first needs to become a welder
I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many of our welding students since moving to [...]
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Dalton’s Journey of Faith and Becoming a Welding Instructor
A Difficult Childhood Dalton Da Silva was forced to grow up quickly. As a young [...]
Read MoreView Past Yearbooks
