AHI hospital assisted by Engineers Without Borders

A member of Engineers Without Borders-University of Colorado at Boulder chapter (EWB-CU) prepares a solar panel for Mugonero Hospital in Rwanda.

Mugonero Hospital in Kibuye, Rwanda, received a new biogas system, UV water purification system, and a 10,000 liter rainwater catchment system this summer thanks to the dedicated efforts of Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

It all began when Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Colorado, heard about EWB-USA's work in Rwanda, in the nearby Muramba community.

"They got in touch with us and suggested we visit Mugonero Hospital," says Evan Thomas, an engineering student at University of Colorado at Boulder and a member of Engineers Without Borders-Colorado University (EWB-CU).

"We did in May 2005, and adopted the project after that as a cooperation between EWB-CU and EWB-Johnson Space Center Chapter (EWB-JSC)."

Their visit wasn't the first time that EWB assisted the Adventist Health International hospital, however. In January 2006, EWB-CU completed a solar powered lighting project that consisted of 408 watts of solar panels with 16 lights around Mugonero Hospital, including the operating room, emergency room, delivery rooms, patient rooms, and nursing stations.

In June 2006, EWB-CU installed a biogas system and a UV water purification system, while EWB-JSC installed a 10,000 liter rainwater catchment system.

Members of EWB-CU pose for a picture just prior to installing the solar panel on the roof of Mugonero Hospital.

"All EWB-USA projects are funded on a per project basis," says Mr. Thomas.

"Each project/chapter has to raise all the funds needed from grants and private donations. This project was funded by the EPA, UNESCO, Rotary Clubs, the University of Colorado, and private donations."

Engineers Without Borders-USA was founded in 2001 by Bernard Amadei, PhD, professor of civil engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder. It has since become the fastest growing engineering organization, with 180 chapters across the nation operating in about 30 countries. EWB-USA partners engineering students, professionals, and faculty members with developing communities around the world to address their basic needs while developing internationally responsible engineers.

EWB-USA has been working in Rwanda since 2003. According to Mr. Thomas, EWB has been active in Rwanda with at least two visits a year since then.

"We are still working out what our plans are, but they tentatively include working at the L'Esperance Childrens' Aid Orphanage near Mugonero Hospital in June 2007," Mr. Thomas says.

"We hope to work with the orphanage to address water quality and quantity issues, and possibly energy and cooking needs."