UC Irvine Engineering Brigade March 2014 Honduras

Start Date: Mar 23, 2014 12:00 AM
End Date: Mar 29, 2014 12:00 AM

Engineering Brigade volunteers will spend 7 days in Honduras assessing water sources and systems in rural communities with limited access to a sufficient quantity and quality of clean water. Volunteers receive a comprehensive introduction to water issues by seeing a community’s current water situation first hand, and meeting and discussing the issues with community members and leaders. With a holistic understanding of the community’s challenges and the Engineering Brigades’ solution, volunteers work with local engineers and technicians in assessment of water sources, mapping and surveying of communities, and design of future water projects. Volunteers meet with local governmental and non-profit institutions to see different approaches to water development projects or technologies. Volunteers work alongside community members to construct a current water system, such as a piping system, water storage unit, small dam, water treatment unit or another infrastructural project. Additionally, volunteers will participate in delivering educational workshops on the design and operation of their water infrastructure. By supporting the spread and impact of Global Brigades’ water systems, in conjunction with Water Brigades, community members can be provided with a sufficient quantity of properly treated water, have a decreased amount of water-caused illnesses, and ultimately live healthier lives.