Local Reality

WAVES for Development Peru has its organizational base in Lima, however, coastal communities in the North have been the inspiration for WAVES' Educational Surf and Adventure Voluntourism Programs.

Many inhabitants of rural, coastal towns rely primarily on fishing as their main economic activity and, as a result, are vulnerable to changes in fish populations and natural phenomena. Graduation rates from high school are under 50% in some communities. Additionally, these areas often suffer from limited access to a clean source of drinking water, electricity and solid waste management.


Both national and international surf tourists visit these coastal communities year round. Oftentimes, they find limited services and stay in communities only long enough to surf. So, even though surf tourism exists, local community members rarely benefit. WAVES believes Educational Surf Programs will prepare community youth to take advantage of existing opportunities and create new ones. Adventure Voluntourism programs bring visitors to these communities that not only enjoy the surfing, but also make meaningful contributions to community sustainability efforts.

Programming in Lobitos

Lobitos was selected as the home of WAVES' first programs because of the great waves, lack of educational programming for local youth, and interest of community members, the local school and government officials.

Due to the success of a pilot project in February 2008 and a second program in July, WAVES began offering ongoing programming in October 2008. Find out more about current volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer page.

Partners

WAVES for Development has partnered with the Lobitos District Government and the Lobitos Secondary School as institutional partners. Additionally the Talara Surf Club and Step Forward Peru have been on the ground in Lobitos and will also be consulted on the programs.


The Association for Children and their Environment, ANIA in Spanish, has also taken an interest in working together with WAVES to form a "playa de los niños" (children's beach). ANIA has been working since 1995, helping children grow in harmony with their environment. The image below depicts what a "playa de los niños" could potentially look like. Also collaborating is CEATA, (Applied Techniques for Environmental Conservation), who specialize in environmental education and reforestation.