When groups come to volunteer in Lobitos, a magical symbiotic relationship happens. WAVES is able to offer more personally tailored programming for the group that directly benefits the community. The group’s presence creates an economy of scale that translates to more efficiency and productivity for WAVES’ projects.
This year’s visit by the Global Learning Collaborative, a unique high school in New York City that grows global citizens, is a prime example of the lasting impact these group trips have on both the community and the volunteers. The 15 guests were able to tackle one large concrete project: the building of a rental room in the home of a local family.
Thanks to their hard work, Don Vincente, a fisherman by trade for nearly fifty years and a renowned athlete, now has an additional source of income and opportunity to learn more about business.
Led by the keen engineering skills of voluntourism coordinator Sam Roches and a local craftsman, the GLC team helped construct the room entirely from the ground up. They wanted to create a space consistent with the desires of the family that was affordable, yet comfortable and safe.
It is now complete and offers two beds, a small closet, and a private bathroom with hot shower- for the economic price of 10 soles (about $3 US). In contrast to the many hostels available in Lobitos, the room affords travelers the opportunity to stay in a quiet, private environment that feels culturally more like a homestay.
The rental room is part of WAVES’ broader Social Entrepreneurship (and micro credit lending) program. Surf tourism fuels the Lobitos economy, but many local businesses catering to these travelers are owned by non locals. WAVES invests in the business initiatives of Lobitos community members to help lessen this disparity. So while the construction project is initially financed by WAVES community funds, Don Vincente will pay back a portion of the cost over time in reasonable increments as travelers stay with him so he invests in the project as well.
WAVES believes endeavors like the addition room construction, thanks to initial funds provided by the GLC students, not only empower locals to take charge of their own opportunities, but also foster an environment of self reliance and an entrepreneurial spirit in the community. We are tremendously thankful for the efforts of the many staff and volunteers who helped make this happen.
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