2011 EWB Challenge Program & Design Overview
Take on the EWB Challenge in 2010 to assist the sustainable development of the Devikulum community, in Tamil Nadu, India. Find out about the 2011 design brief, the program guidelines and student awards at the links below.
2011 EWB Challenge Design Brief
Join 2011 EWB Challenge
2011 EWB Challenge FAQ Page
The 2011 EWB Challenge requires students to use their problems solving and design skills to support he development of the Community of Devikulum, located in Tamil Nadu, India. The design projects have been identified by EWB and our partner organisation in Tamil Nadu, Pitchandikulum Forest Consultants. The following information will assist the design teams to conceptualise the issues involved with working in developing communities. Students can download a copy of the Design brief, Video and power point presentation below.
2011 EWB Challenge Design Brief
2011 EWB Challenge Presentation Slides
2011 EWB Challenge Speaking notes
Background on 2011 EWB Challenge
EWB in partnership with Pitchandikulam forest has chosen the community of Devikulam in East India to be the topic of the 2011 Engineers Without Borders challenge. The aim will be to provide sustainable solutions to the issues faced by the community in a range of areas such as energy, water and sanitation, housing, industry development, ICT, transport and waste management. EWB and Pitchandikulam forest hopes that the solutions participants come up with could be implemented and be used to improve the quality of life of the people in Devikulam.
Devikulam is one of several villages located in the Nadukuppam Panchayat, which is a small sub-division of the Viluppuram District, in the state of Tamil Nadu. The village is blessed with a beautiful landscape full of tropical plants and wildlife which is seen as one of the communities’ most valuable assets. Unfortunately the infrastructure in the village is of poor quality and majority of the people in the area are living below the poverty line.
The community is deeply divided between social classes or “Castes”. People of different castes do not normally associate with each other and there is a mutual acceptance of this fact amongst the villagers. Breaking the social barriers in the community is important for allowing a common sense of purpose to develop, and encourage cooperation amongst the people.
Program Resources
The following additional information are provided to allow a deeper understanding of the situation in Devikulam.
Frequently Asked Questions Forum
The EWB Challenge online frequently asked questions (FAQs) forum enables the equitable management of student questions and queries regarding the EWB Challenge. Students may post questions to the forum related to any aspect of the EWB Challenge. The EWB Challenge committee will manage the forum and ensure that answers are available for all students to access.Further to this EWB has set up an online teleconferencing facility which will enable students to dial in and directly ask questions of volutneers in the field. These teleconferences will be held one to two times per week throughout the semester. Details can be accessed from the 2011 EWB Challenge FAQ page by looking under 'Events' and selecting the relevant teleconference.
As an EWB Challenge participant you get free memebership to EWB for one year which will enable you to access all resources throughout the EWB Challenge website.
Join 2011 EWB Challenge
To access other resources you will need to become a paid member.
Become an EWB Member
2011 EWB Challenge FAQ Page
You will then be able to post any questions that you have about the 2011 EWB Challenge
Additional Resource Links
Pitchandikulam Forest website
Map/statistical information Panchayat
Origin of EWB Challenge
The Engineers Without Borders Australia Challenge (EWB Challenge) is an Australasian design program for first-year university students. Students work in teams to develop conceptual designs for sustainable development that contribute towards real international development projects. Follow this link for more background information.
The student outcomes and how these outcomes relate to the Engineers Australia guidelines and the judging criteria is detailed in the link below.
Get Involved with EWB
Register your university in the EWB Challenge or sign up for regular student e-newsletters. The EWB Challenge is one of many programs supported by Engineers Without Borders Australia. To become an EWB member or to contact your local chapter please click here.Get Involved