The Challenge
- 1,000,000,000 people lack access to safe drinking water
- 820,000,000 people are under nourished
- 30,000 children die each day due to poverty
Newton & EWB-UK
The majority of Newton’s employees have at some stage been fortunate enough to spend time in some of the many developing countries in the world through gap-year travels and volunteer placements, and have seen at first hand the impact of the challenge laid down above.
Engineers Without Borders aims to aid the development of appropriate technology within communities across the world through its support with engineering and project management resource. One of the founding members and now a Trustee of EWB-UK is a former employee of Newton, and felt that the value that Newton bring to businesses in industry could also be applied to communities and companies in the developing world. One way of doing this is by supporting the EWB-UK overseas placements.
As a result Newton is steadily building its relationship with EWB-UK, and will this year be supporting three technical projects. Newton runs a half-day training course at the pre-departure course for all volunteers, supports the volunteers for the three projects while they are out in the field, and sends a consultant to join each volunteer for a couple of weeks mid-project.
Introduction to EWB-UK
EWB-UK is a student-led charity that focuses on removing barriers to development using engineering. Their programmes provide opportunities for young engineers in the UK to learn about technology's role in development.
The aims are to:
- educate and raise the awareness of issues in human development for students and others
- promote research related to, and actively contribute towards, engineering solutions for human development
- provide an ongoing supply of competent and knowledgeable professional development workers
- become a mark of excellence for those looking to become involved with development work
To find out more about EWB-UK please visit www.ewb-uk.org
