Our Mission
To promote human development through access to technology.
Our Chapter
The Engineers Without Borders - Ryerson University Chapter was established in the Winter of 2007.
We here at Ryerson University can play our part in international development by creating opportunities for students to be leaders on a global level. This group is open to all Ryerson University students, and we encourage both engineers and non-engineering students to collaborate on local and international projects and initiatives.
Find out more about what we do.
Engineers Without Borders Canada
At the turn of the Millennium the people of world, through the United Nations, formulated the Millennium Development Goals aimed at halving world poverty by 2015.
Engineers Without Borders Canada (EWB) is the leading charitable organization dedicated to meeting this challenge. Formed in 2000, EWB has sent over 200 young Canadian engineers to work on more than 35 projects in over 20 countries. Closer to home, more than 20,000 members across the country strive to make Canada the most development-friendly and sustainable country in the world.
EWB is comprised of many university chapters located all across Canada. Its members are passionate about helping people gain access to the technology they need to improve their lives. We do so by contributing our knowledge, financial resources, volunteer time, skills, and collective voice to help communities around the world.
For more information about Engineers Without Borders, please visit the central Engineers Without Borders web site.
Approach to Having Impact Overseas
At first glance, the role of western engineers in international development may appear to be the identification of solutions, followed by a trip overseas to implement them.
EWB believes that sustainable development requires more than the simple installation of technologies however. To have the greatest impact overseas we focus on building capacity rather than the delivery of technological goods.
Our volunteers work in partnership with local organizations that are already helping communities gain access to appropriate technologies. By strengthening the extent and effectiveness of the organization's response, EWB is helping them become better at helping communities.
While in some cases this may involve working with local engineers to adapt a technology such as a small-scale irrigation system or to teach local technicians how to construct and maintain mechanized food processing equipment, it may also involve less obvious engineering skills. Engineers' unique problem identification and solving skills have also led them to contribute to operational improvements that are increasing organizations' effectiveness; their computer knowledge has enabled them teach local staff important computer skills; and their attention to details and numbers provides them with useful skills applicable to budgeting.