Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
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Physics- Hydraulic Modeling of Community Water Systems

Apply physics and engineering fundamentals to conduct hydraulic modeling of community water systems in a rural community.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The curriculum immerses students in the program methodology of a live global water intervention: community selection, water council interviews, geo-mapping, government collaboration, needs assessments, and monitoring & evaluation practices. Students design the GPS community mapping of the water system from the water intake source (well) to the higher elevation storage tank and design supply routes to homes in the community. Students calculate water pressure and pipe diameters utilizing EPANET software to design and size out the piping infrastructure. The final deliverable includes a presentation of their design and project report to our local teams so they can be constructed in the future.  In addition to our skill-based learning objectives, building cultural competence is integrated into the course to increase the quality of services and improve outcomes with community partners.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students that successfully complete the Engineering Program will be able to:

  • Discuss issues impacting the access to clean water and sanitation in rural communities in a developing country.
  • Analyze and assess the community’s water and sanitation needs that impact the community’s health and wellbeing.
  • Learn to resolve technical engineering challenges related to water system design and implementation in a different cultural context.
  • Use water design software applications to develop, design in collaboration with the community committee, and present a water system plan.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

MODULE 1: Organization Overview and Community Context

Our Facilitator provides an overview of Squads Abroad (SA), our parent organization, Global Brigades (GB), and its Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) program. Discussion on how WASH fits within a holistic development model and UN Sustainable Development goals. Introduction to the community including profile, region, and map coordinates. The facilitator describes major issues to accessing clean drinking water. Using the GB website, internet resources, and TeleSquad presentations to substantiate their responses.  Self-paced activity: Group reviews presentation on the WASH programs (water, sanitation, and hygiene) and pressing issues that face rural communities in the area.

MODULE 2:  Community Assessment and GPS Mapping

Virtual field visit: recording of a technician in the community demonstrating how they use GPS and map the water system. Examine the community for existing wells, tanks, cisterns, and home connections when present.  Facilitator demonstrates GPS Mapping software so that students will be able to use it as a resource for their project.

MODULE 3: Epanet Hydraulic Modeling Software Training

Facilitator demonstrates Epanet software (a webtool that models water distribution systems). Group views previous water system designs so they can get familiar with Epanet software and the scope of deliverables they will create.

MODULE 4: Working Session with Engineer: Project Design

Group has a working session with the engineer to provide feedback and guidance on their project. SA facilitator gives the second presentation on WASH program methodology and an overview of monitoring & evaluation practices. Self-paced activity: Based on the engineer’s feedback, volunteers edit water system design and begin working on their presentation.

MODULE 5: Working Session with Engineer 2: Project Design

Group has a working session with the engineer to provide feedback and guidance on their project. Finalize draft of the budget. Self-paced activity: Based on the engineer’s feedback, volunteers continue editing water system design and begin working on their presentation.

MODULE 6: Final Deliverables Presentation

Water system presentation is delivered to our Engineer for feedback. SA facilitator provides an overview of the project’s next steps toward construction and the cost recovery model of financing it.

GET IN TOUCH

Click to schedule a call with our Program Director to learn more about our programs and how we can support your group in making an impact abroad!
Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners. Faculty choose their dates, duration (typically 1-2 weeks), and their site location from one of our six program countries.
Squads Abroad is a 501c3 non-profit organization under our parent company Global Brigades, a Platinum Level Guidestar member for Financial Transparency. Since 2004, our organization has collectively mobilized more than 70,000 international volunteers to help resolve global health and economic disparities around the world.
Sustainable Impact
Where We Work
Partners
About Us
My Squads
Through virtual or in-country programs, Squads are passionate groups of volunteers who mobilize abroad to create positive change. Each Squad type has a skill-based focus area that support the education, health and economic development objectives of community partners.