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The Concept

 

Waved's educational concept for Latin America is based on 8 years of work, focusing on the needs and perspectives of coastal communities in Panama. Additionally, a market study conducted in collaboration with UNESCO in 2023, titled "What Do Professionals Expect from Today's Young Professionals?" involved over 250 professionals. Therefore, our personal experience and the results of the research led us to the following 3 conclusions and programmatic priorities:

01

 

Complementary education provides continuous learning:

 

According to a study, 84% of teachers say that students forget or lose skills, knowledge, or grade-level equivalence during the summer, and they requested about 22% of the school year to renew material and skills that students lost during those summer months, despite understanding that summer should be viewed as cumulative. Consequently, by the end of sixth grade, the "summer gap" causes students to be, on average, two years behind students from private schools.Additionally, multigrade schools often face the limitation that subjects such as Arts, Computing, and Physical Education are not taught frequently.

02

 

Greater youth employability arises through responsibility, teamwork, proactivity, and proficiency in English as a second language:

 

According to the market study conducted by Waved and UNESCO in Panama last year, which included the participation of over 250 national and international professionals, the most valued competencies by companies when hiring a young professional between the ages of 18 and 25 are responsibility, the ability to work in teams, and proactivity. The importance of the English language was also emphasized.

03

 

A deeper connection with the ocean leads to greater protection and security:

 

Despite being surrounded by oceans, we live in a world disconnected from the oceans. Approximately 300 million people do not have access to the ocean within 5 minutes of their home, and this is solely due to their inability to swim. This also limits their understanding of its importance and the skills necessary to protect and enjoy the oceans sustainably (Unicef, 2023).

'You cannot love or protect what you do not know.'

04

 

Intersectoral investment promotes sustainability and long-term success:

 

Waved involves various stakeholders, such as the private sector, civil society, other nonprofit organizations, local and international individuals, as well as national and local government. This not only fosters sustainability by integrating responsible practices among various actors but also improves access to labor to maximize impact and promote collaboration among key stakeholders.

Our model: "La Ola"

Fundamentals of Waved Pedagogy

    The foundation of our pedagogy is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the 1989 Regulations for the Protection of Children

     

    The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty adopted in 1989 that establishes a broad range of rights for children. Panama ratified this convention in 1990, committing to protect and guarantee the rights of children within its territory.

     

    • Part I, Article 2 Respect for the Rights of the Child, Prohibition of Discrimination: Stipulates the obligation of States to respect and guarantee the rights of every child without discrimination.

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    • Part I, Article 3 Best Interests of the Child: Establishes that in all actions concerning children, the best interests of the child must be a primary consideration.

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    • Part I, Art. 5 Respect for Parental Rights: Recognizes the role of parents and the family in guiding and directing children in the exercise of their rights.

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    • Part I, Art. 12 Consideration of the child's will: Guarantees the child's right to express his or her opinion freely in all matters affecting him or her.

    Our pedagogy adheres to the guidelines of the 1972 Constitution of the Republic of Panama (2004 version)

     

    The Panamanian Constitution establishes fundamental principles for education, guaranteeing the right of all children to a comprehensive education based on values, equity, and respect for their development.

     

    • Article 56: The State protects the physical, mental, and moral health of minors.

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    • It also guarantees the provisions of the 1994 Family Code, which promotes equal rights to education for girls and boys.

    Guidance for Our Pedagogy

     

    Our Waved Pedagogy concept is based on our own experiences, an analysis of our children's initial situations, and, consequently, on the methods of internationally recognized representatives in the field of pedagogy.

     

    • Johann Heinrich Pestalozzi (1746-1827): Holistic education of the heart, hand, and mind. He believed that education should integrate a child's emotional, physical, and intellectual development. He promoted learning through direct experience and affection as the basis of knowledge. His method emphasized practical learning and the family environment as the educational pillar. -> Learning by feeling.

       

    • María Montessori (1870-1952): Trust and autonomy - "Teach me how to do it and I will do it myself." She advocated education based on freedom within a structured environment, where children learn at their own pace. She created teaching materials designed for sensory learning and autonomous exploration. Her method fosters independence, self-discipline, and self-confidence. -> Learning by doing.

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    • Paulo Freire (1921-1997): Active learning of children, participation in dialogue with the teacher, promoted an education based on critical awareness and dialogue between educators and students. He believed that learning should not be a passive process, but rather an active construction of knowledge based on the student's reality. His method seeks to empower students to transform their environment through critical thinking. -> Learning through thinking.

    Our pedagogy is derived from the Waved Vision

     

    At Waved, our pedagogy strengthens students' commitment to values, fosters their enthusiasm for lifelong learning, and promotes deep social responsibility.

     

    Through our methodologies, we cultivate respect, discipline, and self-confidence, ensuring that each child develops their potential on a solid foundation of principles and with the motivation to continue growing.

     

    At the same time, as an organization and professional team, we are guided by three fundamental principles: competence, enthusiasm, and continuity. We believe in constant improvement, passion for what we do, and the importance of maintaining a long-term commitment to our mission.

    Our Role as Role Models

     

    As educators, we are fully aware that our behavior and actions serve as role models for our students.

     

    “Nothing is more effective in education than role models.” — Albert Schweitzer (1875–1965) Our actions teach more than our words.

    Comprehensive Education for Smooth Development

     

    At Waved, education goes beyond the classroom and sports. Our holistic approach seeks the complete development of each child, combining academic learning, surfing, and life skills.

     

    Through connection with nature, emotional management, and the development of personal awareness, we help our students grow with confidence, balance, and resilience, complemented by close monitoring that involves their families and community.

    Individual Approach

     

    With empathy, we offer personalized support, ensuring we recognize each child's personality, adapting to their needs to foster their growth, develop confidence, and understand their dreams and desires. 

     

    We recognize talents, understand needs, desires, and dreams, and help reflect, guide, and motivate them time and again.

    Differentiation in Leadership Style

     

    Waved's leadership style adapts to the different needs of the pedagogical process and the variety of situations that may arise in the learning environment. To ensure each student feels supported in their tasks, we use three distinct approaches depending on the content, timing, and context.


    Always aligned with our values of respect, discipline, and self-confidence, we strive to optimally design the educational process and ensure student success.

     

    • Authoritarian: We establish clear and unchangeable guidelines, such as rules of conduct, values, and organization in the classroom and during play. This approach is based on mutual understanding, respect, and safety, fostering an environment of trust where children learn to respect limits while developing their autonomy. -> Discipline.

       

    • Democratic: We encourage cooperation, joint decision-making, and group reflection, promoting children's active participation in their learning. An example of this style is beach cleanups, which promote shared responsibility, teamwork, and respect for the environment. -> Respect.

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    • Autonomous: We encourage independence and creativity in solving tasks, such as creating stories, crafts, or dance performances. This approach fosters students' autonomy, allowing them to make decisions for themselves while developing confidence in their abilities. -> Self-confidence.

    Our Art of Education

     

    Just as our association's management is comprised of professionals in business management, certification, and finance, our operational team also includes proven specialists in the implementation of our pedagogy in the areas of academic and physical education, advised by external psychologists.


    In our holistic approach to personal development, one challenge stands out: Waved's unique approach: surfing as a special method of self-discovery, self-awareness, self-control, and self-confidence. Children are ignited, developing in every facet of their personality. Waved educators guide and differentiate this multifaceted educational process.


    Even moments that require "positive punishment" are not seen as sanctions, but as opportunities for learning. "Positive punishment" is a constructive tool that helps students reflect on their mistakes and correct behaviors, allowing them to learn from them and strengthen their personal development. Therefore, it is fair to speak of an art of education at Waved.

    Pedagogical Flexibility for Age-Specific Needs

     

    The role of Waved's teaching staff adapts to the needs of students of different ages, from 7 years old to adolescence, as well as to each student's educational level and personality. We approach each student individually, taking into account their age, developmental level, interests, and social environment. We provide appropriate support and ensure academic and personal development commensurate with their age and maturity.


    To ensure optimal support for the developmental potential and career guidance of young people, the operational team is committed to maintaining close contact with parents.

The Zona Waved Programs

 

In direct response to the background, the sustainable, complementary school, Zona Waved (inspired by 'being in the zone', meaning being focused and concentrated), is used as a primary tool to empower and measure the physical, social and cognitive skills of 6-14 year old students from coastal communities in the interior of Panama.

 

Located on Isla Cañas, Los Santos Province, a wildlife refuge, it is built with 44% recycled plastic, and is the first of many schools we plan to build in Panama and Latin America.

 

To achieve our vision, we offer the following three complementary programs for more than 76 Waved scholarship students:

01

 

Seguridad Oceánica / Ocean Safety - connecting with the Ocean:

 

Ocean Safety Course pioneer in Panama. With the objective of inspiring and educating the next generations through environmental education, combining physical activity with exercises to support mental health. The course is divided into eight sessions, one each week, where the following content will be addressed:

02

 

Surf & Values:

 

Surfing is more than a sport; it is a powerful educational tool. Beyond promoting physical activity and raising awareness about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, surfing includes fundamental values and teaches life lessons. In each session, we promote our core values: discipline, respect for the environment, and self-confidence, turning it into a complete and enriching educational:

Theory:

Surf coaches are divided into different groups, providing the appropriate theory for each student's corresponding level. We address technical surfing concepts related to the awareness of wave formation, ocean behavior, water safety, and marine conservation.

BEACH CLEANUP:

Together with volunteers, we all carry out a beach cleanup, contributing to raising awareness about the importance of caring for the environment and fostering a responsible attitude toward our surroundings.

WARM-UP:

Before entering the water, we perform warm-up exercises (energizers) to physically prepare the children and volunteers. These exercises promote teamwork and reduce the risk of injury, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation for the session in the water.

SURF PRACTICE:

During the practical part, our students, accompanied by Waved coaches and volunteers, go through one of the most exciting parts of this program, surfing in open water. Depending on the surfers' technical level, new skills are taught on different waves, and they are guided with exercises to define and improve their level.

REFLECTION CIRCLE:

To conclude each session, a reflection is held where students and volunteers share their thoughts about what they learned and what they would like to do in the next session.

EXTRAORDINARY ACTIVITIES:

Outside the regular program, we offer enriching experiences for our students. We invite them to participate in various activities related to the national sport of surfing, reforestation days, and beach cleanups.

We invite those students who demonstrate values and commitment to be part of a leadership program, teamwork, and effort for the next session.

03

 

Academic Reinforcement:

 

Supplemental English and reading comprehension classes are essential for students' cognitive and personal growth. This program gives them the opportunity to improve their language and comprehension skills, thus laying the foundation for a stronger academic and professional future. In addition, the participation of volunteers as assistants in these classes not only provides additional valuable support, but also enriches the educational experience by providing more personalized attention.


Investing in the education of these young people with the help of committed volunteers not only equips them with the tools for individual success, but also strengthens the social and economic fabric of the community as a whole.

Social Impact Matrix 2024

Medición y Evaluación de los programas

 

Pensando en las mejoras continuas de cada estudiante, durante todo el año se realizan evaluaciones regulares en cada uno de los programas: 

 

- Nivel técnico de surf

- Desempeño de valores, incluyendo la participación

- Conocimiento de inglés

- Nivel de lectura comprensiva

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