Engineers Without Borders

Building A Better World, One Community At A Time

EWB: A National Organization &

Our SBC Chapter

Information SessionAugust 24, 2012

Danielle Pooler & Rosemary Weathersby

Agenda

• Introductions

• What is Engineers Without Borders?

• What sort of work does Engineers Without Borders Do?– EWB- Pitt Project Example

• What are the next steps for EWB-SBC?

• How can I get involved?

What is Engineers Without Borders?

• Established in Fall 2000• 350 projects in 45 developing countries• 12,000 members • 250 student and professional chapters

“A non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide to improve their quality of life.”

Program Structure

95% of the work is preparation/calculations in the United States

5% is assessing and building internationally

Project Example: Makili Fish Farm

The Country: MaliCapital – BamakoLanguage – FrenchReligion – Muslim

The Community: MakiliPopulation – ~ 1500 peopleLocation – ~ 100km NE of Segou, the closest city Language – Bambara

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Makili Fish Farm: Project Overview• With the help of Kyle Lotier, a Peace Corps

Volunteer previously working in Makili, the villagers applied to EWB-USA for a fish farm.

• The University of Pittsburgh Chapter took up the project in October 2007, and has since been working to develop design and implementation plans.

• Makili villagers are primarily subsistence farmers, but are plagued by both malnutrition and little to no income generation.

Makili Fish Farm: General Project Goals

Develop a sustainable fish farm in Makili, Mali which will:

1. Improve the health and overall well being of Makili by providing a reliable protein source through year round fish farming

2. Create micro-business opportunities for the people of Makili by providing an additional source of income

3. Educate local community members on aquaculture practices and public health concerns

The Problem: Malnutrition

Soil Bore logsTopographic Survey

Completed a technical assessment of the area and proposed project.

Technical Data Collection

Technical Data Collection

• Watershed Survey• Staff and Rain Gages• Took Soil Samples• Completed percolation test

• Two Pond Design?

• Single Pond Design?

• Year Round?

• Annual?

Design Considerations

Public Health Assessment

• Drissa Coulibaly (Karimogo)– Public Health village leader– Can read and write– Will take periodic children's

measurements

• Village Census– Visited every family– Spoke about the fish farm– Determined a way to keep track

of the children and their ages for children growth measurements

Public Health: Children’s Measurements

• 150 children measured every three months– Height– Weight– Mid-Upper Arm

Circumference– Head Circumference– General mood selection

Public Health: Quality of Life Assessment

• Quality of Life Survey– Based on Short Form 36– Included questions of food

consumption– Questioned approx. 100 Makili

adults

• Summary Index of Unhealthy Days– Adapted from CDC method– Used pain scale ratings– Marked mood daily

Original Topography

As-Built Pond

As-Built Pond, March 2010

As-Built Pond, March 2010

Post-Assessment: August 2010

August 2010 – looking north

February 2011

Harvested Fish

Makili Fish Farm: Project Timeline

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Other Projects

EWB Projects are generally more than just construction – they involve a design challenge that the community cannot overcome without engineering expertise.•Water Purification•Water Piping•Filter Pots•Grinding Mills•Bridges•Schools•Lighting

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How to become a chapter?

New Program ApplicationChapter AgreementChapter Bylaws

Officers/TeamsEWB Chapter Name – Southern Brazoria County

Begin Fundraising as EWB-USA!Plan to select program / Partner with a community

Immediate NeedsElections to be held January, 2013 for all positions – the positions below are from present day-January, 2013•Fundraising Lead•Public Relations Lead•Nationals Liaison•Website Creator•Bylaws committee•Conference Attendees:

– October 19th-21st in Baton Rouge27

2013 SBC EWB Officers

o President o Vice-Presidento Secretaryo Treasurero Public Relationso Fundraising Leadero Project Leadero Houston Chapter Liaison

• Facilitate Meetings• Nationals liaison• Meeting Minutes• Maintain bank account• Webmaster / Publicity• Lead fundraising team• Lead Project Team• Leverage to/from Houston

***These are subject to change after bylaws are written

More information