Productive partnerships for a better world - by Heather McEwen
In late 2008 the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science (CECS) became more fully engaged in the activities of Engineers Without Borders (EWB). By providing financial assistance to build on substantial voluntary effort coordinated by Jeremy Smith and several engineering students and staff in the School of Engineering, the EWB University Partnership has substantially increased EWB's ability to reach out to the community. It educates people about the role of engineering to help people in developing countries, and raises awareness of what engineering does for people the world over.
"The partnership has worked extremely well here in the College as we have support and engagement from all sides, from senior levels, academics in the classroom, support staff and the students themselves. It has given everyone involved the opportunity to explore how their input and involvement can enhance not only their work and studies in a learning environment here on campus, but how that effort contributes to communities in the region and at home, and examine the role and impact engineering has on society," said Jeremy who is a member of research staff in the School of Engineering, and Undergraduate Research Coordinator with EWB.
"Jeremy recently reported on EWB activities for 2009," said Professor Chris Baker, Dean of the College. "It really is quite amazing to see how much has been done in terms of enriching the curriculum for our students, involving students in real-world problems to which they help to find a solution, outreach to the community, and spreading the word about engineering at ANU, with a small amount of seed funding. It's a bit like dropping a pebble into a puddle and watching the rings ripple outwards," he said.
New opportunities for potential EWB engagement with College and ANU activities are being explored for 2010, commencing with involvement in the first Engineering Alumni event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the engineering degree later this year.
Read about one of EWB's 2009 initiatives in the latest edition of ANU Reporter here.
