West African Vocational Schools

West African Vocational Schools West African Vocational Schools is a Christian nonprofit based in Fresno (Calif.)

and Seattle that works with local leaders to teach job skills to people in Guinea-Bissau, one of the smallest and poorest countries in the world.

In 2024, our team visited the remote village of Ché Ché in Guinea-Bissau.There, we saw a solar-powered water system that...
06/09/2026

In 2024, our team visited the remote village of Ché Ché in Guinea-Bissau.

There, we saw a solar-powered water system that had stopped working.

Without anyone nearby trained to repair it, the village had no choice but to return to the river for water.
In many places across Guinea-Bissau, this is what happens when systems break down.

Not because people don’t care—but because the technical skills needed to fix them aren’t available locally.

That’s why WAVS is launching a new Electrical Technician program with an emphasis on Solar Technology.

Our goal is to equip students with the skills to solve problems in their own communities for years to come.

Help launch the program at wavschools.org/power-their-futures/

When we ask our students which new trade they most want to learn, electrical training is their top choice.And it’s easy ...
06/06/2026

When we ask our students which new trade they most want to learn, electrical training is their top choice.

And it’s easy to see why.

Graduates who complete electrical training in Guinea-Bissau can earn three to four times the minimum wage—helping provide food, water, school fees, and stability for their families.

Electrical work is in constant demand because it powers everything: homes, schools, businesses, and daily life.

Your support will help launch this program and equip students with the skills they need to succeed.

Give today at wavschools.org/power-their-futures

Solar power is growing rapidly across West Africa.Homes, schools, and businesses are gaining access to electricity throu...
06/02/2026

Solar power is growing rapidly across West Africa.

Homes, schools, and businesses are gaining access to electricity through affordable solar systems and regional power projects.

But there’s a problem:

There aren’t enough trained electricians and solar technicians to keep these systems running.
When electrical systems fail, families lose light. Water pumps stop working. Schools and businesses are disrupted.

That’s why WAVS is launching a new Electrical Technician program with an emphasis on Solar Technology.
Students will gain the skills to solve real problems in their communities—and build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Give by June 23, and your gift will be doubled. 👉 wavschools.org/power-their-futures

Bring light to the darkness.The solar revolution is happening now, transforming countries like Guinea-Bissau in West Afr...
05/26/2026

Bring light to the darkness.

The solar revolution is happening now, transforming countries like Guinea-Bissau in West Africa. But trained solar technicians are in short supply.

That’s why WAVS is launching a new Electrical Technician program with an emphasis on Solar Technology. Graduates will have the skills to bring reliable electricity to homes, schools, and villages throughout their country.

And at the same time, WAVS teachers will share with them about a light that shines the brightest of all: the hope of Jesus in their lives!

To launch this program on schedule in September, we'll need to purchase tools and equipment within the next few months. That's why we're asking for your help to raise $30,000 before June 23.

Thanks to generous donors, your gift will be matched 100%!

Learn more at wavschools.org/power-their-futures.

Electricity is something many of us take for granted.But in Guinea-Bissau, nearly half of households don’t have reliable...
05/21/2026

Electricity is something many of us take for granted.

But in Guinea-Bissau, nearly half of households don’t have reliable power. Many families rely on small solar panels for light, water pumps, and other basic needs.

Thankfully, this is changing. New regional power projects and the growing use of solar energy are bringing electricity to more communities.

But these systems only work when trained professionals know how to install, maintain, and repair them.
That’s why WAVS is launching a new Electrical Technician program with an emphasis on Solar Technology this September.

Thanks to generous donors, our new training center is ready. Now we need to raise $30,000 to equip the workshop and hire instructors.

And thanks to a generous match, every gift will be doubled until we reach our goal.

Help power students’ futures and bring light to homes, schools, and villages across Guinea-Bissau.

Learn more at wavschools.org/power-their-futures.

For one week in March, a group of longtime supporters from the greater Seattle and Fresno areas visited WAVS to learn mo...
05/19/2026

For one week in March, a group of longtime supporters from the greater Seattle and Fresno areas visited WAVS to learn more about its vocational training programs and the work God is doing Guinea-Bissau. We are so grateful that they were able to visit!

Just like the welding program, a large part of the carpentry program is focused on allowing the student to get hands-on ...
05/14/2026

Just like the welding program, a large part of the carpentry program is focused on allowing the student to get hands-on experience. The carpentry program is now selling a wide range of items and commissioned projects, including cabinetry, beds, chairs, tables, and more.

What a night!Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dine & Discover West Africa 2026 in Kenmore, WA! Your support is he...
05/11/2026

What a night!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Dine & Discover West Africa 2026 in Kenmore, WA! Your support is helping grow the new WAVS campus in the capital of Guinea-Bissau.

Together, we're equipping young men and women in West Africa with life-changing job skills — and sharing God’s love in word and deed.

Big thanks to Watts Brewing Company for serving beer at the event.

We’re remembering WAVS co-founder Herb Reynolds, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 92.In his late 60s, rather tha...
05/07/2026

We’re remembering WAVS co-founder Herb Reynolds, who passed away on April 4 at the age of 92.

In his late 60s, rather than settling into retirement, Herb followed God’s call to West Africa alongside his wife, Martha. Together, they helped open WAVS’ first vocational school in Guinea-Bissau—living simply, raising support, and trusting God every step of the way.

What started with a small group of students has grown into a work that has trained more than 2,500 students over the past 20 years.

Read more about Herb’s life and legacy: wavschools.org/remembering-wavs-co-founder-herb-reynolds/

The landscaping project is taking shape day by day, and it’s exciting to see the vision come to life. Soon, it will be a...
05/05/2026

The landscaping project is taking shape day by day, and it’s exciting to see the vision come to life. Soon, it will be a welcoming space where students can enjoy shaded seating, stroll along walking paths, and gather among the trees to relax and connect between classes.

Address

700 Van Ness Avenue Suite #216
Fresno, CA
93721

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+15598251771

Website

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