Engineers Without Borders at Hawaii (EWB-UH) was recently established in 2007 for the purpose of engaging students to assist disadvantaged communities in our local Hawaiian islands and around the world by improving quality of life through sustainable environmental and economically sound engineering projects. Through our student organization at the University of Hawaii, we hope to bring invaluable experiences to students via hands-on engineering applications, as well as cultural and ethical awareness. As a member of EWB-USA, EWB-UH is a non-profit registered student organization at the University of Hawaii and operate solely on a volunteer-basis.

Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA) partners with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through the implementation of environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects, while developing internationally responsible students. A non-governmental organization established in 2000, EWB-USA partners students and professionals with international aid projects addressing community needs including the design and construction of water, waste-water, sanitation, energy, and shelter systems. The students’ goal is to incorporate and train the community in all phases of the sustainable projects to ensure ownership, appropriateness and long-term effectiveness. At present there are more than 6 billion people on planet Earth; in 25 years there will be 8 billion, and 97% of the growth will be in developing countries.

• 1.1 billion people in developing countries live without safe drinking water
• 2.6 billion people do not have adequate sanitation
• 3.4 million people die annually from water-related diseases; 2.2 from diarrhea diseases alone

At any one time 1.5 billion people – one in four – suffer from parasitic worm infections stemming from contaminated water and solid wastes

The scale of this problem requires a new way of thinking, and a long-term approach. As important as international aid programs are, many community problems cannot be solved by short-term international aid programs. These problems will require the dedication of a new generation of professionals, working hand-in-hand with local communities, social scientists, economists, businesses, human rights organizations, other non-government organizations, and international development organizations. EWB assists in training a new generation of professionals through hands-on involvement in new and ongoing national and international development projects.

EWB engages developing communities in resolving particular infrastructure needs that the community itself has identified. EWB involves students in every step of the process, enabling them to learn firsthand about solutions to the problems of the developing world.