Shoreline native leads nonprofit transforming drug-wracked Guineau-Bissau, one student at a time

Our News Partner Social Capital Review has a story by Melissa Steffan about a Shoreline native making a big difference in a small, west African country called Guinea Bissau.

One Seattle-based nonprofit with a big heart and a Christian mission is making a difference in one of Africa’s smallest countries. 

Headed by Shoreline native and former Fresno Bee reporter Chris Collins, West African Vocational Schools reaches out to young people in Guinea Bissau, a poor country rife with political violence and drug cartels. 

WAVS is founded on the belief that outside aid alone will not overcome the widespread poverty and instability; instead, the organization believes that educated leaders must transform Guinea-Bissau from within, Collins said in a phone interview. 

“WAVS … is really encouraging ethical practices, people who are dedicated to investing in their country,” he said. “The people who are graduating are instilled with skills to be successful, but also ideals to make them strong leaders in the country.”

Read the entire story here