What happens when someone living in poverty is given the chance to learn a new job skill?
Just ask Ivanildo and Vanov.
They met last year while studying welding in the same class at a WAVS vocational school in Guinea-Bissau, a tiny country in West Africa. They discovered that they worked well together. In fact, when they worked as a team, they completed projects faster than anyone else in their class.
While most of the graduates from their class went on to find jobs working for small welding businesses, these two friends did something different: they opened their own simple workshop.
Before starting their business, they first researched which neighborhoods in the capital city, Bissau, didn’t already have a local welding shop. (In countries like Guinea-Bissau, it’s common for dozens of simple workshops to be scattered around a large city).
They found a neighborhood on the outskirts of the city that was underserved, so they set up shop there. Using scrap metal and wood they salvaged nearby, they built their shop from the ground up.
Their strategizing and dedication is paying off. After opening up their business just one month ago, they’ve already completed several projects for clients — including security bars, display racks, and custom doors.
Besides teaching them a new job skill, the WAVS welding program also helped them learn about Jesus and how he transforms everything in our lives — how we live, work and love others.
Ivanildo didn’t attend church before enrolling, but the devotionals that his welding instructors facilitated in class each week inspired him to grow closer to God. Now he attends church every Sunday.
For Vanov, faith was always a part of his life. But he said the devotionals helped him stay committed to following God — not just on Sundays, but throughout the week.
Ivanildo and Vanov were able to afford tuition at the WAVS vocational school thanks to One Student members who help cover most of the cost of their training. Today, you can join this community of monthly donors and give more young people like Ivanildo and Vanov the same opportunity, one student at a time.
