Waan Aelõñ in Majel - Canoes of the Marshall Islands

Waan Aelõñ in Majel (WAM) is a grassroots non-profit, non-government organization that trains Marshall Islands youth based on the traditions of the Marshallese canoe. WAM provides vocational and life skills training to youth-at-risk using the medium of traditional outrigger canoes, boat building, carpentry and woodworking. The program links the new generation with the old, working together to keep this unique aspect of Marshallese culture alive, while simultaneously addressing serious social problems affecting youth in Marshallese society. The WAM mission is to work with youth, their families and the local and international community to perpetuate and safeguard Marshallese culture and tradition through canoe building and sailing, and through this cultural linkage develop life skills and modern work skills that create meaning in the lives of all participants.