ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS Baton Rouge Professional Chapter

What is Engineers Without Borders? EWB-USA is a non-profit, humanitarian organization established in 2001 by Dr. Bernard Amadei, civil engineering professor at the University of Colorado EWB partners with developing communities around the world to improve their quality of life through the implementation of sustainable engineering projects Currently, over 200 student and professional chapters are established across the country There are 170 active projects in 41 countries Dr. Bernard Amadei EWB-USA founder

Our Mission “ The mission of EWB-USA is to partner with developing communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of environmentally sustainable, equitable, and economical engineering projects. In the process of working to advance developing communities, EWB-USA promotes the development of globally aware and internationally responsible engineers, students, and professionals.” – EWB-USA

Baton Rouge Professional Chapter Established in 2008 Membership represents civil and chemical engineering, occupational health and agricultural disciplines Partnering with non-governmental organization GLOVE for project in MBolllet, Gambia Baton Rouge Professional Chapter Members

Our Project – Mbollet, Gambia Mbollet Gambia AFRICA

Mbollet, Gambia Project Description: The villages of (Sam) Mbollet live in extreme poverty. These villages are attempting to farm on arid rain-fed lands which are utterly exhausted of nutrients and unable to produce adequate crops. The soils are so depleted that even if the rains are good, the households still go hungry. Fertilizer is unavailable and the farmers lack the knowledge to successfully make organic composts. They have no running water supply, no safe drinking water and no sanitation. They have no medicines and lack access to basic medical services. There is no power supply and not a single motorized vehicle. There is no clinic and the nearest school is 2 km away, though many families can’t afford the school fees.

Villages of Mbollet Population – 700 Four tribes in village Fula Manjago Bambaro Sere

Food and Water Very little rainfall between late July and September Three and a half-acre garden recently created with 500 gallon water tank for irrigation Village hopes to expand garden and possibly sell surplus fruit Chain-link fence needed to keep animals out

Health Care Local Health Care Village community nurse – 2 miles Health Clinic – 9 miles Large Hospital – 1.5 hours Common Health Issues Malnourishment, especially in children Malaria Tuberculosis Intestinal Worms

Education Few villagers can afford school Children must walk over 1 mile one-way Hot weather and rainy season make the journey difficult

Project Components Providing Safe Drinking Water Rainfall Harvesting Storage for Rainwater during dry months Micro-irrigation Irrigation system for existing garden Compost Manufacturing Fertilizer needed for crops Improving Sanitation

Partnership - GLOVE Local Non-governmental organization GLOVE – “Gambian Longevity through Village Enterprise” Recommended travel window Mid-November to Late June Housing and Food Provided to Volunteers One 10 person tent Volunteers asked to pay villagers $12 a day for food and lodging Four translators available No electricity available One vehicle available

Travel Logistics Fly into Banjul Take Ferry to Barra North over River Gambia 30 min to 1 hour ride Drive to Village

Anticipated Project Timeline Application to adopt project reviewed Nov 16 Response regarding adoption by Dec 15 Complete Pre-Assessment Includes plans for assessment trip Deadline for submittal is monthly, around mid-month Three weeks after submittal give presentation to TAC Two weeks following presentation TAC gives response Complete Assessment Trip Complete Assessment Report Detailed Project Design Begins

Funding Needs Will need ~$15,000 for assessment trip Funds needed for: Materials Airfare Lodging Other logistical transportation costs 95% of donated funds go directly to project related expenses 5% goes to EWB-USA to cover administrative expenses

How you can help Become a corporate sponsor Sponsor EWB-BRP Donate to the Gambia project Make checks payable to? URL:

Donate to EWB-BRP URL:

EWB-USA Sponsors

Contact Info Chapter Website: : National Website: