Volunteering Without Borders
Written by: Jaimee Gadsden
For people living in war-torn or third world countries, maintaining daily necessities like food and shelter can be a huge challenge. So imagine the hardships associated with finding medical aid or trying to find fresh drinking water in desert conditions. As violence and poverty continue around the world, organizations like Engineers Without Borders (EWB) and Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders or MSF are doing what they can to make life a little easier.
Engineers Without Borders
Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has many affiliates around the world including the United States and Canada, Italy, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Nepal and Australia. For over 20 years EWB has "partnered with disadvantaged communities to improve the welfare, livelihood, quality of life and dignity through implementation of environmentally, equitable and economically sustainable engineering projects." With the aid of professional and student volunteers, EWB has provided numerous villages and impoverished regions with a fresh water supply, sanitation and waste management, energy resources, sustainable agriculture and communication systems.
Undergraduate and graduate engineering students from civil to mechanical, structural and electrical are encouraged to get involved. In addition to the hands on experience, students can get involved in trip planning, fundraising, grant writing, cultural education and health assessments. EWB offers many on-going projects around the world as well as one to three-month internships during the summer months in countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, Ethiopia, Peru or Belize.
Students who wish to be considered for upcoming projects must fill out the Volunteer Application and provide a current resume. For more information go to www.ewb-usa.org
Doctors Without Borders
Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF is a "private, nonprofit organization at the forefront of emergency health care for populations suffering from endemic diseases and neglect." Much like Engineers Without Borders, this organization provides medical care, surgery, nutrition and sanitation programs to help improve living conditions. As well, MSF trains local medical personnel to help sustain the living conditions in that region.
For over 30 years, medical professionals have volunteered to go in to remote or violent locations, man-made or natural disaster environments to provide medical care to people in need. Unfortunately MSF does not recruit medical students but as of 2005 MSF is offering internship programs in which individuals can gain practical work experience in specific program departments: human resources, communications, development, executive as well as gain a basic introduction to the field of international medical humanitarian aid and advocacy. All internships are offered in the New York office and while the position is unpaid, work-study funds and course credits are available. To find out more about internships available, go to www.doctorswithoutborders.org
For students looking to get involved in humanitarian expeditions either as a summer project or after graduation, these organizations and others like them can provide an excellent opportunity for hands on experience, cognitive learning as well as a greater understanding and appreciation for other cultures.
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