Venture:
We Are Wayua
Founders:
Jorge Cruz, Deirdre Simon, and Tamara Coley
Industry:
International tourism and service-based learning
Venture Type:
Nonprofit
What is the social or environmental issue being addressed?
Our program uses a single system to address multiple social issues. First, we understand that a resource drought exists in third-world countries, resulting in a multitude of social ills. We also understand and appreciate the barriers that people who want to do good face if attempting to address this resource drought independently. There are language and cultural barriers, concerns about safety in foreign lands, and lack of connections to international communities and institutions in need. Finally, we are keenly aware of the disconnect that can exist between members of the African diaspora and their continent of origin, largely as descendants of the American slave trade. This disconnect is further compounded by the poverty and isolation of America’s urban resource-poor communities.
Innovation:
We aim to address these issues through voluntourism. Our program provides people who want to donate their money, time, and/or skills to affected regions a safe and comprehensive link to those areas to do so. We have established strong social and political connections to a community in Kenya to begin services and plan to grow our connections and expand our offerings to other areas in need. We Are Wayua will facilitate travel to Kenya for paying participants and subsidize the cost of travel for urban American youth — many of whom have had little experience with communities outside of the United States (or even outside of their immediate geographic area). Our mission is to embed participants in the local community through homestays with pre-selected and vetted families and connect them to volunteer opportunities based on their skills/desires and how they best match with the needs as identified by the local Kenyan community. Participants will be able to assist and work in collaboration with the Kenyan people. Through these experiences, participants have an opportunity to assist in mitigating some of Kenya’s social ills while expanding their horizons, having immersed themselves in a new and different culture, and ultimately gain a broader perspective of the world.