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The new training center is now open
After nearly two years of construction, WAVS has now opened its new training center at its flagship campus in Bissau. The 16,000-square-foot building has the capacity to serve up to 200 students each year in four different programs: welding, machining, carpentry, and solar technology. Read more about the construction of the training center and the impact it will have on our students.
WAVS welcomed its first class of carpentry students
This semester, 10 students enrolled in the first-ever WAVS carpentry program, which launched in the new training center in September. Meet our new carpentry instructor in the spotlight below!
Fall enrollment nearly doubles
Since the Bissau campus opened, enrollment has grown steadily by about 15% to 20% every four-month semester. But this fall semester, enrollment suddenly increased by more than 70% compared to the previous semester – putting the school on track to serve more than 500 students this year!
Around Campus
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Thanks to the hard work of young people from the community who helped clear the campus, WAVS is now able to host a local soccer league. This initiative not only brings neighbors together and highlights the importance of teamwork and healthy activities, but it also introduces more students to the school’s programs. By connecting with the community in this way, WAVS is helping more young people in Bissau discover opportunities for education, skill development, and a brighter future.
The volunteer-run nonprofit VESA, which has supported WAVS on multiple projects over the years, recently sent Bruce Gregory and CJ Hubert from Michigan to Guinea-Bissau. During their two-week visit, they trained our new machining and carpentry instructors and helped set up equipment and organize the new workshops.
As part of the welding course, students receive shoes and a school branded jumpsuit to wear to help protect them while they weld.
Because of your support, welding students are now gaining valuable machining experience as part of their training.
The welding students recently completed a new gate at the entrance to the campus. Projects like this give the students hands-on experience so they are better equipped when they someday open their own workshops!
We are looking forward to the next graduation ceremony in December! Here students are gathered for the first meeting of these future graduates.
Behind the Scenes
Building Brighter Futures
See how the new training center came to life—from the first days of construction to classrooms now filled with students learning new skills.
SPOTLIGHT
Meet Alexandre Lopes
When Alexandre first chose to study carpentry, it was out of a desire to meet a real need in his community. In Guinea-Bissau, skilled carpenters are in high demand, and Alexandre was drawn to the creativity and craftsmanship of working with wood. This skill not only allows him to provide for his wife and two children but also gives him the joy of building things that last—both in his workshop and in the lives of his students.
Now serving as the carpentry instructor at the new training center in Bissau, Alexandre sees great potential for the program’s future. “The program at the school will grow greatly and change the lives of many young people”, he says. He hopes to continue teaching as the department grows, with the tools and machinery needed to train even more students efficiently.
Already, he’s seeing that vision take shape. People in the community have expressed excitement about the new program, and his students are eager to learn and proud of what they’re accomplishing. Seeing their enthusiasm motivates Alexandre to keep moving forward and supporting the program as it develops.
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