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Laying the Foundation

Laying the Foundation

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Join members of the Washington DC Professional Chapter (EWB-DC) of Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) to hear about the lessons learned, challenges, and opportunities of their community-led infrastructure projects underway in countries around the world. You'll hear conversations between volunteers on all four projects underway: a vehicular bridge in Burkina Faso, a community center in Panama, and drinking water systems in Cameroon and Peru. In addition to the technical engineering aspects of the projects, we'll delve into the cultural and process perspectives of launching sustainable, community-led infrastructure projects in rural communities around the world--and you'll learn about how you can join our Chapter if you want to be part of these exciting projects!

5 - Laying the Foundation - Burkina Faso
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  • 5 - Laying the Foundation - Burkina Faso

    Deciding to close a project is a tough decision for the Chapter. In this episode, hear from Rina Gandhi, Rob Horner, and Rachel Rath on the summer 2019 decision to close the vehicular bridge project in Burkina Faso. How did the project team come to this decision? What does that mean for the community? What are the next steps for the project team? Hear from three unique perspectives--a collaborating NGO partner, a project co-lead, and Chapter President--on this decision.

    Fri, 13 Sep 2019 - 43min
  • 4 - Laying the Foundation - Importance of Local NGO Partners

    In our fourth episode, Gabe Illingworth and Cait O'Donnell discuss the vital role of local NGOs with EWB International Community Partnerships. As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer and EWB Project Lead, Cait provides a unique perspective regarding the importance of NGOs with EWB projects. Gabe and Cait discuss what type of tasks and responsibilities our NGO partners take on for EWB projects and other international development projects in general. Moreover, Cait provides insight on her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon.

    Tue, 13 Aug 2019 - 30min
  • 3 - Laying the Foundation - Cameroon Project

    In the third installment of the EWB-DC podcast, Aileen Craig and Rachel Rath discuss the water system being developed in rural Cameroon. Both Aileen and Rachel have spent time in Mbokop, Cameroon over the last few years and have been in leadership positions during the project. Aileen and Rachel share their insights into the establishment of the project, challenges due to political instability in the region, and future plans for the project through collaborations with Cameroonian partners. In addition, they recount their highlights of the team adventures. 

     
    Sat, 13 Jul 2019 - 33min
  • 2 - Laying the Foundation - Launching EWB-DC and The El Salvador Project

    In our second podcast, Eric Liang, Gabe Illingworth, and Jonathan Mead, discuss the founding of Engineers Without Borders USA and the Washington DC chapter and delve into our most significant completed project partnership to date. The EWB-DC team parntered with the community of Santa Clara, El Salvador for more than a decade to complete water supply, drainage, and clean-burning cook stove projects. As former project leads, Eric and Gabe share insights on the many important lessons learned along the way.

    Thu, 13 Jun 2019 - 31min
  • 1 - Laying the Foundation - Intro to EWB

    What is EWB-DC? Who are the volunteers behind the projects? How does a project even get started? In episode 1, EWB-DC Chapter President Rachel Rath and Peru Project Lead Gabe Illingworth walk you through the basics of the Chapter, along with shedding light on their perspectives of why volunteers join the Chapter and their personal highlights and most challenging experiences to date as volunteers.   

    Mon, 13 May 2019 - 34min