Engineers Without Borders (EWB): Building a Better World One Community at a Time

Chelsay Brewster, Chemical Engineering, Class of 2007, President of EWB-UCIN

"Whenever one's personal path can be understood as a part of a larger journey, the meaning of each step is magnified." Dr. Esther Kawira, medical director at the Shirati KMT Hospital in Tanzania, describes how Engineers Without Borders at the University of Cincinnati

(EWB-UCIN) is part of a greater experience that will lead to a path of growth and collaboration between cultures. EWB-UCIN is one of over 140 student chapters throughout the United States. EWB is a non-profit, non-government organization whose mission is "to partner with developing communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while developing internationally responsible engineering students." In other words, EWB gives students the opportunity to get involved in global issues and use their engineering skills to provide appropriate, sustainable solutions.

Kevin Klueber, Neil Schaner, Elizabeth Dixon, and Andrew Schriner prepare the students at the Otho Abwao Primary School for an activity.

EWB-UCIN's current project is focused on the Nyando District of Kenya, where UC students are working hard to establish a strong bond with the village with which they are currently working. Their current project involves the design and implementation of a water storage and distribution system to transport clean water from an existing borehole to five access points throughout the village.

Under the current circumstances, the women and children of the village share the responsibility of hauling the water from the borehole to their homes—a task that can consume nearly an entire day, preventing the children from attending school regularly and the women from working a reliable job. In order to combat this inconvenience, village members will often take water from a contaminated source, such as a pond or lake, resulting in illness and common parasites. The implementation of EWB's project will promote healthy living within the village by providing a clean, reliable, and convenient water source.

Andrew Schriner, John Moor, Neil Schaner, and Kevin Klueber survey the community for the water distribution system.

In addition to the benefits in Kenya, UC stands to gain an exceptional advantage that will affect our students and University. Organizations, like EWB, attract incoming students by demonstrating UC's commitment to global well-being and its' exceptional student organizations. EWB also provides an incomparable opportunity for students to gain global experience, as well as research new methods of appropriate technology through sustainable engineering.

Support from the College of Engineering has been the root of the organization's success. EWB-UCIN efforts thus far have created a strong link between Cincinnati and the Nyando District of Kenya. In addition, their mission aligns with UC|21 at the University, focusing highly on creating and applying knowledge with emphasis on ethical purpose, motivating students to take leadership and collaborate internationally, and providing opportunities for students to experience and understand cultures other than their own. The University, its students, and its alumni can make a difference by: 1) Getting involved, 2) Making donations to enable the students to implement these projects, and 3) Spreading the word!

Chelsay Brewster helps the students of the Otho Abwao Primary School finish their pictures to bring back to American students.

For more information about how you can get involved, please go to www.uc.edu/groups/ewb-ucin.

Project Nyando, Kenya