Who Are We?
George Mason Engineer's for International Development (EfID) is a student organization that is housed in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering (CEIE) at George Mason University. We exist for Civil Engineering Students to participate in community-driven development programs worldwide through the design and implementation of sustainable engineering projects. We work both internationally and locally to build and educate communities about their basic infrastructure systems such as drinking water and sanitation.
EfID was founded in 2010 as a Recognized Student Organization at GMU. EfID has accomplished significant work in Honduras, the Peruvian Andes, and the Amazon addressing small communities' concerns over water shortages, clean water access, sanitation, and hygiene. Please visit our website for more information about EfID.
The Need !
This year we have several projects that we are working on, however we have one particular project that is in dire need of additional funding. The project that is in dire need of funding is our Grande Sabana, Nicaragua project.
Grande Sabana is a small community nestled in the mountains of northern Nicaragua. The community has one failing water well that is in desperate need of repairs. Many of the community's children currently walk a great distance to the well to retrieve a small amount of water. This failing well is the primary source of water for drinking, cooking and cleaning and is not an efficient means of meeting the needs of the community regarding quantity or quality.
Moving Forward...
EfID has scheduled a trip in January 10, 2013 to assess the scope of the project, and material availability. On this trip, a team made up of GMU students and Professional Engineers will investigate the well and water storage location options and alternatives for the community, as well as the availability of materials locally for installation.
Based on the scope developed as a result of the assessment trip, a team of students will design a new well and water distribution system to meet the needs of the community. The assessment trip report will be available in February 2013.
The team will make a second trip to Nicaragua during the summer of 2013 to install the well, and water system. EfID plans to work with and involve the community to ensure the proposed solutions satisfy their needs. Educating the community about the system, the sustainable solar powered pump, and how it will improve their lives will enable them to successfully continue to operate the water storage and distribution system and provide sufficient water for all residents.
The Funding Situation.
To fully fund the Grande Sabana, Nicaragua project we need $30,000. Since August 2012, we have been able to raise about $15,000 from various sources. (We are half way!)
The break down.
- Pipes and Fittings $7,000
- Well Excavation $5,000
- Transportation for Team $5,000
- Water Storage Tank $4,000
- Solar Power System $3,000
- Structures $3,000
- Well Pumping System $1,000
- Lodging and Food for Team $1,000
- Unforeseen Conditions $1,000
- Tools $ 500
Our Previous Track Record.
2011 San Isidro, Peru: EfID successfully installs two water storage tanks.
2012 San Isidro, Peru: EfID successfully upgrades the water distribution system.
2012 Maijuna, Peru: EfID successfully installs a pilot water filtration system.
2012 Honduras: EfID successfully provides water quality upgrades.
Other Ways You Can Help
You should also know that besides Indiegogo taking a 6% cut of any donation all remaining parts of the donation will go directly to the project and the community members of Grande Sabana, Nicaragua.
Your support and donations are essential for continuing work in developing regions of the world. We have the student involvement. We need your support to aid us in purchasing materials and travel to implement our projects and work with communities in need.
Donations may be made to EfID through the George Mason University Foundation. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-private foundation and a private corporation organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of George Mason University. As such, donations to EfID may be tax-deductible. The Foundation's Tax ID number is 54-1603842 and donations should be earmarked for EfID.
If you want to donate via a check, please make sure the check is made payable to GMU Foundation EfID.
EfID
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MS 6C1
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Within a few weeks, you will receive a Thank You letter from EfID which will include a receipt for your records. This receipt will allow you to file your donation when doing your taxes, as it will be tax deductible. Please realize that GMU EfID is not able to file this for you.
