Engineers Without Borders

When communities have scarce or unclean water resources, they not only are vulnerable to infectious disease and a host of health problems, but they often need to spend large amounts of time securing clean water for basic needs. These activities tend to disproportionately impact women and girls, making their lives physically hard and, in some cases, keeping them from school or employment opportunities.

The Case Western Reserve University chapter of Engineers without Borders is part of a greater worldwide movement that is committed to the pursuit of community-based development through the design and implementation of sustainable engineering projects. It works to create a world where every human being is able to meet their basic needs.

The chapter is currently engaged in three international projects in the Dominican Republic, Thailand and Cameroon, as well as several local projects and research into methods of water treatment. These projects are focused on providing accessible, clean, and safe drinking water in our partner communities, as well as working to provide for basic sanitation needs.

At these project sites, engineering and non-engineering students alike work with the local community members to design and construct sustainable filtration systems and develop culturally appropriate community education programs around clean water and sanitation.

View the photo gallery to see them in action.

Engineers on the Farm

Two Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University students construct the switches that will control the irrigation system at the University Farm. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.

Beyond Borders in Cruce De Blanco

Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University member Randy Beck shows the intake structure built to deliver water to Cruce De Blanco, Dominican Republic. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.

Clean Water in Cameroon

Children gather clean water from one of two water supplies built by Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University in Batoula, Cameroon, during the summer of 2010. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.

Youth of Thailand

As part of a filtration system implementation in Piang Luang, Thailand, Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University took a day to teach local school children about clean water. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.

Teamwork in Cameroon

Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University members and local residents work together building a water system in Cameroon. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.

Clean Water in Cameroon

Engineering students build a concrete tank at the University Farm, practicing construction techniques beneficial to work beyond our borders. Photo courtesy of Engineers Without Borders-Case Western Reserve University.