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West African Vocational Schools

Learn about this cause: What are the reviews? Is it Legit? Do I like the mission? What is the CEO's salary?

EIN: 912028889 ✦ Fresno, CA ✦ Designated as a 501(c)(3)

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Overview

What is West African Vocational Schools?

West African Vocational Schools (WAVS) is a faith-based nonprofit organization stationed in Fresno, California. With a team of five dedicated individuals, WAVS extends its support to numerous vocational schools situated in Guinea-Bissau, specifically in Canchungo, Gabu, and Bissau. The schools' curriculum focuses on cultivating practical, employment-related skills, encompassing subjects such as computer literacy, welding, English, and French. Annually, more than 400 students benefit from this educational opportunity, empowering them to secure gainful employment and improve their livelihoods.


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

What are the reviews and ratings of this charity?

Charity Navigator Rating: 75%, Three-Star out of Four Star rating

West African Vocational Schools holds a commendable Three-Star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting a solid performance in accountability and finance, with a score of 83%. The organization benefits from a fully independent board, which enhances its governance, and shows no material diversion of assets, indicating strong financial integrity. Their commitment to transparency is further evidenced by well-documented policies and practices, such as a whistleblower policy and conflict of interest guidelines.

While the organization excels in leadership and adaptability, scoring a perfect 100%, its program expense ratio of 60.83% suggests that there may be room for improvement in allocating funds more effectively towards direct program services. However, the organization demonstrates a robust culture and community engagement, achieving the highest possible score in this area, and excelling in feedback collection and usage, which indicates responsiveness to stakeholder input.

Overall, West African Vocational Schools showcases significant strengths in governance and community engagement, with a reliable framework for accountability. Addressing the program expense ratio could enhance its effectiveness in fulfilling its mission and better serving its beneficiaries.


This AI summary has been generated from information found on Charity Navigator.

What do the Facebook reviews say about West African Vocational Schools?

100% of 7 reviewers on Facebook recommend West African Vocational Schools. Here is a summary of their reviews: The organization is praised for its impactful work, specifically in aiding impoverished and unemployed individuals in Guinea Bissau.

Reviewers highlight the focus on empowering people to improve their own lives, indicating that the nonprofit effectively delivers on its mission of creating sustainable opportunities for those in need. Overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with supporters expressing satisfaction and appreciation for the difference the organization is making in the community.


This AI summary has been generated from reviews found on Facebook.

Is West African Vocational Schools legitimate?

West African Vocational Schools is a legitimate nonprofit organization registered as a 501(c)(3) entity. West African Vocational Schools submitted a form 990, which is a tax form used by tax-exempt organizations in the U.S., indicating its operational transparency and adherence to regulatory requirements. Donations to this organization are tax deductible.


Heare are some key statistics you may want to consider:

Executive Compensation: $78,858
Professional Fundraising Fees: $0
Other Salaries and Wages: $201,476

For more financial information, click here


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

What is the mission statement of West African Vocational Schools?

West African Vocational Schools, being a Christian nonprofit organization, is committed to providing West Africans with life-changing vocational skills. This mission is accomplished through the operation of various vocational schools that offer practical, hands-on training in areas such as computer literacy, welding, English, and French. Each year, over 400 students benefit from these educational opportunities, gaining the skills necessary to improve their livelihoods. The organization's goal is to empower individuals in West Africa, enabling them to secure gainful employment and contribute positively to their communities.


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

Who is the CEO of West African Vocational Schools?

Chris Collins is the Executive Dir. of West African Vocational Schools.


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

What is the revenue of West African Vocational Schools?

West African Vocational Schools's revenue in 2022 was $805,719.


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

Who are the executives of West African Vocational Schools and what are their salaries?

The average compensation at West African Vocational Schools during 2022 was $56,067. There are 5 employees and 39 volunteers at West African Vocational Schools.


Here are 6 key members and their salaries:


Chris Collins (Executive Dir.)
  • Compensation: $78,858
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Bob Whalen (Chairman)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Samuel Babcock (Treasurer)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Robert Poythress (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Chris Woods (Secretary)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0
Lydia Dawson (Director)
  • Compensation: $0
  • Related: $0
  • Other: $0


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

Where can I find the form 990 for West African Vocational Schools?

West African Vocational Schools's most recent form 990 was submitted in 2022 and can be accessed here.


Official website here: www.wavschools.org

Learn more at the official website: www.wavschools.org

Mission Statement of West African Vocational Schools

West African Vocational Schools, a Christian nonprofit organization, is committed to transforming the lives of West Africans by providing them with essential job skills. Its mission is centered around equipping individuals with practical, hands-on abilities that can lead to significant improvements in their livelihoods. The organization achieves this goal by offering various vocational courses, such as computer literacy, welding, English, and French, at multiple schools located in cities like Canchungo, Gabu, and Bissau in Guinea-Bissau. Each year, over 400 students benefit from these educational opportunities, gaining the skills necessary to secure employment and better their lives.

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Impact




July, 2024

West African Vocational Schools has a significant impact on individuals in West Africa by equipping them with life-changing job skills. Through its support for vocational schools in Guinea-Bissau, thousands of students have been empowered to gain practical skills in areas such as computer literacy, welding, English, and French. These skills not only enhance their employability but also enable them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and improve their overall quality of life. The organization's commitment to providing education and job training creates opportunities for individuals to pursue sustainable livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty in the region.




This information is meant to be a general summary of West African Vocational Schools. Please take the time to review official sources before making any decisions based upon the content provided here.


Financials

This financial information is from Propublica.

Revenue
$805,719 (2022)
Expenses
$794,613 (2022)
Efficiency

Other financial information:

This information is from the most recently submitted tax form from this organization, which was in 2022.

  • Investment Income: $38,685
  • Gross Receipts: $1,618,294

Assets and Liabilities:

  • Total Assets: $2,214,884
  • Total Liabilities: $8,513
  • Net Assets: $2,206,371

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Organization Details

Founding Year

2000

Principal Officer

Chris Collins

Main Address

700 Van Ness Ave 216, Fresno, CA, 93721

NTEE Category

Code: B30 - Education

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