Our amazing volunteers designed, trained, developed, advised, built and researched in order to help local organisations. They worked on clean energy, the built environment and water and sanitation.
Simona and Caminos de Agua
Simona supported Caminos de Agua for six months by running experiments and conducting research around adsorption materials that could filter aqueous arsenic and fluoride from contaminated groundwater in rural Mexico. Her research skills helped Caminos de Agua move closer to their goal of providing the communities around San Miguel de Allende with clean drinking water.
Jon and Isla Urbana
For six months Jon supported Isla Urbana by designing and testing new technologies for chlorification of rainwater. Using the skills he acquired during his PhD, Jon independently researched new technologies to reduce the presence of faecal coliforms in rainwater harvesting systems in Mexico City.
Ian, Nick, Zoe, Sara, Elysia and Prakti
Ian and Nick provided engineering skills to our partner Prakti for 11 months and were joined by three engineering students Zoe, Sara and Elysia over the summer of 2017. Ian researched and developed an emissions testing process that will increase the efficiency of Prakti cookstoves and reduce harmful emissions. Nick led on the manufacturing of 900 stoves and established a robust production line for Prakti stoves. Zoe, Sara and Elysia tested a range of materials and confirmed the best material to be used in the stoves’ combustion chamber.
Conor and Sistema Biobolsa
Conor supported Sistema Biobolsa in Mexico City for six months. There he improved the add-on generator capacity of the biodigesters from 1600W to 2000W. Biodigesters break down organic waste, producing renewable gas and fertiliser. Conor’s work has made them more efficient, reduced their cost and improved the benefits for farming families around Mexico City.
Ben, Audrey, Zhuraya, Yamin and SIBAT
Ben worked with technicians from SIBAT, and led on the design and fabrication of hydraulic ram pumps, which pump water uphill without electricity or diesel. His experience in small-scale hydroelectric power has meant that 11 micro-hydro pumps are providing farmers in the Philippines with a reliable water supply for irrigation. Audrey provided business skills and training to local micro-businesses using clean energy. Zhuraya and Yamin built and designed a test rig for hydraulic ram pumps.
Tom and Light Up the World
Tom worked with Light Up the World in Huaraz and Lima for 12 months, developing a pay-as-you-go approach to solar power systems. He also worked on monitoring and developing the service that they provide. Light Up The World’s off-grid solar systems bring electricity to people living in remote areas of Peru.
Faisal and Energy 4 Impact
Faisal advised on the use of clean energy with Energy 4 Impact in Kenya. He was part of a team working to scale up off-grid energy in both Rwanda and Kenya, with a particular focus on promoting the use of clean and renewable energy in refugee camps.
Harriet, James and MASS Design Group
Harriet delivered training on geotechnical engineering to the team at MASS Design Group. She also provided geotechnical supervision for MASS’s award-winning buildings across Rwanda. James provided training in structural engineering and supported the building of an office in Kenya and a school in Bugesera, Rwanda. James and Harriet also both mentored local engineering students and delivered workshops to improve the skills of the team.
Ruairí, Dan and TONIBUNG
Ruairí and Dan spent six months with TONIBUNG in Malaysian Borneo. Ruairí provided financial and business advice to the TONIBUNG team, helping to ensure financial sustainability for the energy projects they run. Dan used his electrical engineering skills to develop an electronic load controller that has the potential to save local people money and provide them with control over their small scale hydroelectric power.
John, WSUP and clean team ghana
For six months, John worked with WSUP to rehabilitate the Oti wastewater treatment facility in Kumasi, Ghana. John also worked alongside Clean Team Ghana on the construction of effective compound sanitation by developing quality assurance processes.
Milly, Jen and Kounkey Design Initiative
Milly and Jen provided civil and structural engineering capacity for Kounkey Design Initiative in Kibera, Kenya, the largest urban slum in Africa. Milly worked on developing an approach to flood resilience for the Andolo community. Jen provided structural engineering support for public spaces. Over the autumn, Andrew and Juliet joined them for a month. They supported the team by writing reports on drainage and facilitating workshops in Kibera.
Jeremy and the Selco Foundation
Jeremy worked with the Selco Foundation in India. He carried out market research into advising small local businesses on the use of renewable energies. These included poultry farmers, coir yarn making companies and refrigeration companies. Jeremy is now working as a solar engineer with our new partner, United For Hope, in northern India.
