MIT Engineers Without Borders
In Fall 2008, Engeye formed a partnership with the MIT Chapter of Engineers Without Borders-USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to working with communities in developing areas to find appropriate, sustainable engineering solutions to water, sanitation, energy, and shelter systems.
Both Engeye and EWB realize that the only solutions are sustainable solutions, ones that engage and empower the local community in which the project serves. Thus, collaboration with local community members and working incrementally to build capacities in the design, engineering and maintenance of Ddegeya's water, energy, and health systems are the core visions of this partnership. These projects will help to bring Ddegeya closer to achieving UN Millennium Development Goals, particularly Goals #4 (Reduce Child Mortality), #5 (Improve Maternal Health), and #6 (Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria, and Other Diseases), and #7 (sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation).
Engeye looks forward to working with and learning from this dedicated team of engineering students!
A brief summary of the team's project goals include:
Water Project Goals- Protect, store, distribute, and disinfect water source
- Increase quantity of water available
- Improve hygiene practice and awareness
- Improve sanitation practices
- Improve water quality
- Expand the diagnostic capabilities and services of the clinic
- Increase a focus on preventive medicine
- Increase health education
- Needs Assessment Surveys and Interviews
- Identify needed educational programs and design the programs
- Implement pilot mobile diagnostic system
- Install a source of power for the clinic and the community.
- Ensure the power source is easy to maintain and is reliable.
- Ensure the power source is cost-effective and easily sustainable.
- Develop back-up power and power storage systems for the clinic.