The power of our people – The EWB community in action
Engineers Without Borders Australia (EWB) is addressing the most pressing issues of our time by mobilising a diverse and vibrant community of people to create positive change through humanitarian engineering.
Written By Matilda Bowra
One of the core aims of EWB’s 2020 Strategy is 'redefining engineering as a community-centred profession that provides leadership in the creation of a more sustainable and inclusive world.'
EWB is harnessing the power of our people to translate this aim into practical initiatives that embed a culture of community-centred design and practice in the engineering profession and inspire and educate students and professionals in the application of engineering and technology for positive social change.
“We are faced with huge global challenges in growing inequality, environmental degradation and uneven economic development. Engineers have a crucial role to play in meeting these challenges,” explains EWB CEO, Peter Baynard-Smith.
“EWB is redefining engineering by building a global movement and creating pathways for students and professionals to grow their skills and contribute their knowledge and expertise to solving real-world problems.”
“Our people make a difference, not just in what they do with EWB, but in what they do with their careers and how they use their knowledge to tackle the world’s most difficult development challenges.”
We are delighted to share three stories about how our people are utilising their skills, knowledge and experience to create a better world.
Connectivity in WA
The aim of the EWB WA’s Connectivity Program is to help migrants and refugees integrate into the Australian community by improving digital participation. Digital inclusion is recognised as important step in facilitating integration as it opens doors to communication, social activities and employment.
Read how EWB is working with the Metropolitan Migrant Resource Centre (MMRC) to help migrants and refugees integrate into the local community.
Arup 40 over40 campaign
Arup’s 40over40 campaign is designed to inspire more Arup employees to become actively involved with EWB. Arup already has an established partnership with EWB and encourages their employees to be involved in a wide range of EWB volunteering, mentoring and fundraising activities.
Read how EWB members Matt Sorenson and Hong Vu are running an internal marketing campaign to get more Arup employees activity involved in EWB.
EWB and SAIL in NSW
Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning (SAIL) is a non-profit, volunteer run program that provides free English tutoring support and community services to the Sudanese Australian community. The program was originally started in Victoria over 15 years ago and is now also well established in Sydney and Perth.
Read how EWB is developing a partnership with SAIL in NSW.
A message from EWB Member’s Coordinator Jacqui Bell
“EWB works across industry, government and the not-for-profit sector and offers a diverse range of opportunities for people to participate in the humanitarian engineering movement.
University students, engineers and general participants can get involved through their local EWB chapter, attend Humanitarian Design Summits, run School Outreach Workshops or assist with community partnership programs.
Professional engineers can do all those things and also review EWB Challenge reports for first-year university students, become mentors or contribute their expertise to pro bono projects through EWB Connect.
If you are interested in what we do and are wondering how to learn more, we recommend you start by becoming a member. Membership puts you in touch with a wide variety of opportunities and programs, supports our mission and strengthens our community.”
You can support these projects by becoming an EWB member today!