Well, a lot has happened since the last time we blogged...let's just say that being full time engineering students doesn't leave nearly enough time to post updates as often as we'd like! However, we have a LOT of new exciting developments!
First of all, the most exciting news: our group was APPROVED for our very first international project, a water sanitation and distribution system for the small village of Chiwirapi, Bolivia. Chiwirapi is located in the poorest part of the poorest country in South America, and their need for a water sanitation system is great. Disease and health problems coming from consuming unclean water is very common, as the Chiwirapi citizens must take their water from a river that contains pollutants from a larger city upstream. We are excited to go on our first assessment trip in August 2012 to start testing the water, surveying, and getting to know the locals and their needs. We will be partnered with this community for 5 years, and intend to do all that we can to provide them with both infrastructure and sustainable health practices that will improve their quality of life!
Now that the project is underway, the question of funding is becoming more and more important. We have established a Fundraising Committee, and have been working hard all semester to put together our First Annual EWB-UI Gala event. This will be a chance for local community members to come and see what we're all about, have the opportunity to donate to the group by purchasing event tickets and raffle tickets, and eat some tasty food donated by Sangria! The event is scheduled for April 26th, and more details will be posted soon!
