WAVES

These projects in Haiti began in the 2014-2015 school year with Daniel Blood’s return to Valparaiso University as a professor of mechanical engineering. The projects have allowed WAVES members to use their skills and knowledge from the classroom to help others. It’s exciting to see the implementation of these projects and Valpo education being used to help those in need.

Project Green Hope (2016 – 2019)

Pwoje Espwa is an orphanage in Les Cayes, Haiti that provides food, shelter and education to nearly 350 children. These children range from elementary school to college age and lack science labs and textbooks.

Project Green Hope is an initiative to take Pwoje Espwa entirely off the grid. This will come primarily through modifications so that electricity is used more efficiently, as well as through the installation of more solar panels. Valpo students engaged in a multitude of projects thus far including installing arduinos and custom electronics to perform a full energy audit of the Espwa compound. With this information we can determine how many solar panels they need as well as where electricity can be used more efficiently.

Encouraging the Sciences (2015 – 2019)

During our visits, WAVES members teach nearly 100 Haitian students about electricity, environmental science, aerodynamics, and chemical reactions. Science lessons included a brief description of the science then followed with a lab to demonstrate. These labs involved snap circuits, water balloon launchers, and much more. WAVES also donated a 3D printer and three laptops as well as taught the students how to use them. The students learned how to make kitchenware, screws, and gears so they can create their own replacement parts instead of ordering them. WAVES is in the process of creating an app with educational videos. This would allow the students in Haiti to watch the videos and not rely on our organization to be physically present to teach in Haiti.