Welcome
Konpliman!
Greetings [in Haitian Creole] from Engineers Without Borders at UCF. We are one of the student chapters of Engineers Without Borders USA. Established in 2007, the chapter looks forward to helping bring water to Mare Brignol in the Southeast Department of Haiti. The Officers were accompanied by licensed, Professional Engineers, December 2008 on their initial trip to the community and three additional teams travelled in March, May, and December 2009. Please check the Project tab for more about the trips. Team building and community involvement on a local level continues as well.
The club office is located in Engineering I, Room 144, and the phone number is 407-823-1273. Membership each academic year is $15. Checks written to EWB USA and cash are accepted at our meetings.
Please check back frequently for new material and thanks for visiting!
Earthquake: January 12, 2010
Haiti experienced a 7.0 earthquake just southwest of Port au Prince. Fortunately, the last member of the EWB UCF December 2009 travel team had already returned safely. The Matthew 25 House, where our team stays while in Port au Prince, remains structurally sound as well as its staff. The EWB UCF team employs Haitian translators and other support personnel who live in Port au Prince during each of our trips. We have received confirmation of their safety and welfare, but loss of their homes. The owners and staff of our sand filter supplier are safe, but the factory in Port au Prince is a total loss. The effect of the quake on Belle Anse and Mare Brignol has yet to be determined. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Haiti, our friends, and their families.
You can support our chapter's specific earthquake relief efforts by registering for the Run for Water (below). Race proceeds benefit the rebuilding of the second floor of the Matthew 25 House, our NGO partner HERO (Health Education Relief Organization), the Mare Brignol water project, and Global Water Challenge. You may click here for more ways to help as well.
Upcoming Events
E-mail Jake Huitema by clicking here to volunteer or provide him with ideas for volunteer activities.
Habitat for Humanity
Saturdays, Next dates: TBD
Maximum of 10 people. The day begins at 8:15 a.m., and volunteers usually work until about 2:00 p.m. Although construction skills are a plus, they are not required. In fact, most volunteers have no skills when they first come out. Habitat provides all necessary tools, but if you have them, you may bring your own tool belt and work gloves. For safety, you should wear close-toed shoes (Boots, if you have them. Sneakers are fine, but no high heals or dress shoes) and clothes that you're not afraid to get dirty. T-shirts or tank tops with long pants or shorts work well. Tube tops, skirts, and dresses are not permitted, however. We also suggest that you bring a sports bottle or container for drinks and your lunch or a snack. Water is provided on site.
Contact Jake Huitema (above) to sign up. For more information about Habitat for Humanity, visit this website's 'Links' page.
Ronald McDonald House
Next date: TBD, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. (approx) Families staying at the Ronald McDonald house enjoy a dinner prepared by EWB UCF and ASCE volunteers.
Click here for information. If you'd like to participate, contact Jake Huitema (above).
Social Events
Dates: TBD Come enjoy food and fun with EWB members and friends! For more information, please visit our Facebook group and RSVP.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many opportunities exist for motivated individuals. If you have a desire to help people, EWB UCF is a great place to translate good intentions into action. Assistance is needed with event planning, fundraising, research, chapter communications, membership recruiting, publicity, and more. The return on the investment of your time and money is one both you and the community you help will realize for a lifetime. Click the "Officers" link above for contact information of leadership team members or attend an upcoming meeting for more information.
