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Testimonials

  • As I left Lobitos this time, it was with a quiet but irrepressible sense of joy and satisfaction, knowing that Henry will continue to fuel this creative cycle, amplifying and sharing the story of his town and WAVES—the organization that has brought so many good people there to teach and to learn. - Forest Woodward -
  • "I walk away with from this feeling like so much has happened, so much was achieved and there are so many stories to tell and a lot of great experiences to share" - Raffael Schmidt
  • "I just want to thanks all the WAVES staff for the 2 weeks that I spent in this very special place that I will visit again and again, for sure." - Caio
  • This is a great stop-off for people spending an extended time in South America. - Marieke
  • It's a great atmosphere for teamwork and cooperation. - Jeremy Koons

Entrepreneurship Empowerment

Henry is one of the youth in Lobitos Peru empowered through the programs WAVES for Development has built. When Henry was 15, he learned from a WAVES volunteer how to use a camera. Henry quickly grew adept at taking photographs of surfers from the beach. WAVES aims to mentor community members without access to financial services and business guidance, to generate economic activity through socially minded micro-enterprises.

Henry build a business selling photographs to tourists and created an excellent income for himself, help support his family, save for college and reinvest in his business.  WAVES helped connect him to the resources.  Want to be part of the WAVES programs that make this happen?  Let us know.

5 Year Vision: Over the next five years we plan to mobilize 500 volunteers that help generate $50k that stays in the community.  Provide income for 75 families because of WAVES-related programming.

Methods:

Social Entrepreneurship Consultation & Mentorship:   WAVES has helped empower locals in the establishment of two very effective businesses in Lobitos.  One is the Surf Centre (Centro de Surf), Lobitos’ first surf shop and board rental shop that also provides internet access.   We also have worked with local youth to establish successful surf photography services.

Administration, Marketing and Social Media:  Marketing minded volunteers are able to review, design and implement new marketing strategies for both the organization and locally driven initiatives.   Our community-based program managers and technical specialists will facilitate the process.

Microfinance:  WAVES is in the process of designing and implementing a microfinance program for Lobitos.   A pilot program is being evaluated with a few select families. Stay tuned for hands on opportunities supporting a sustainable business in a financial reality the majority of the world lives in.