Engineering by Design
You may be asking yourself, “What is Engineers Without Borders and why should I care?” To answer this question (and hopefully raise many more) Engineers Without Borders is an organization dedicated to providing technical assistance for the development of society across all boundaries. EWB Tallahassee Student Chapter has had many positive impacts on the Tallahassee community and beyond. From school structure maintenance and hosting elementary science fairs, to private consulting with the development of the City of Monticello water distribution system and wastewater treatment facility, FAMU-FSU EWB Student Chapter has touched many lives in a mission of providing assistance, wherever the help may be needed.
The Engineers Without Borders team is now extending efforts on a global scale. A new challenge has been raised and they are up to the task: EWB is in the preliminary stages of solving an issue of preserving the Amazonian Rainforest, while sustaining social and economical growth of the population in the region. The solution begins with the small village of San Rafael.
San Rafael, of Loreto Peru is located on a major tributary of the Amazon River, approximately 18 miles from Iquitos, Peru. The indigenous communities of this region in particular have experienced drastic loss of natural resources. It has been observed that many logging companies and associated predators exploit this region vehemently during the weeks leading up to school session. This often leaves the locals little option but to trade large tracks of land for meager pennies in order to finance the books and materials required for their youngest to attend school. Change, however, has been implemented.
Recently, a European organization funded construction of a tourist hostel. This new travel destination not only provides insight to the unique culture and environment of this remote area, but serves as an economic mechanism for sustaining the natural resources which are steadily diminishing. Costing each tourist only $3 U.S. dollars a day, the few who do make it to this indigenous community refuge provide more than enough commerce to improve the lives of the locals.
A crisis, however, has disturbed this success story and requires the expertise of EWB. Because of limited funding, the pipe connecting water to the community (and hostel) was constructed only long enough to reach the river during the rainy season. Now, during dry, season the river has receded nearly 1500 feet. Consequently, tourism has dropped dramatically because of the lack of potable water.
We Can Make the Difference
Upon notice of this crisis, the local Tallahassee chapter of Engineers without Borders sprang into action. In conjunction with Dr. Tarek Abitchou and additional practicing professionals, they are currently in negotiation with vendors interested in providing the remaining length of the required pipe and planning the most effective methods of solving this predicament. It has been estimated that nearly $10,000 may be required to acquire the resources needed to ship and install this water life line. Engineers Without Borders needs your help to make this dream a reality.
FAMU-FSU Student Chapter of Engineers without Borders is an established non profit organization. This enables our chairman to document and issue a receipt of payment that becomes 100% tax deductible. Furthermore, as a contributor you will be entitled to detailed updates as the project develops. For corporations specifically, this is a great opportunity to save on tax dollars, boost employee morale, and effectively preserve our environment by contributing to a cause worth fighting for.
To donate by check or money order please address the donation to EWB-USA, BUT WRITE “FAMU/FSU” in the memo filed and send it to the following address:
Dr. Tarek Abichou
Engineers Without Borders
2525 Pottsdamer Street, Rm A129
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Tel: 850-410-6661
Fax: 850-410-6142
Email: ewb@eng.fsu.edu
abichou@eng.fsu.edu
Engineers Without Borders sincerely appreciates your support. Remember, the impacts of our actions today will undoubtedly return tomorrow. In front of us here is the perfect opportunity to prevent the uncertainty of what life will be like if our rain forests are gone.
You are invited to join the Engineering By Design walk! Guests will be served refreshments courtesy of Bali HI and Railroad Square Art Park.
Engineering By Design Walk:
Sunday December 09, 2007 @ 2:00 p.m.
Starting: Pitaria on Tennessee St.
Ending: Railroad Square Art Park
