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Every step of the way felt like a challenge for Fort Lewis college students, who spent part of the summer installing a water line in two underdeveloped towns in Zambia. 

First, the delayed plane out of Denver resulted in a detour to Qatar. Next, they discovered the water towers were not built to code and had to be rebuilt upon their arrival. And then, the team found that the trenches had not been dug before they got there. 
 
However, with every challenge, the students rose to the occasion, enjoying the opportunity to experience a new culture while helping a community.  

“I'd say almost every single step of the way had an obstacle,” said Aubrey Peterson, a third-year engineering major at FLC. “But as a group, we did awesome handling all the challenges, keeping everybody calm, and really doing the best we could.  

“Zambia was so different than anywhere I'd ever been,” she added. “My favorite part of the whole trip was trying to talk to the people. They really appreciated when you picked up a shovel and started digging and tried to learn their language and got to know their names and their kids' names.” 

This summer, a team of seven FLC student volunteers, three Durango partners and three faculty traveled to Siyowi and Nachili Zambia, to install a water system for the community as part of the Village Aid Project.  

Since 2005, FLC students have been addressing critical engineering challenges at the forefront of humanitarian development through the VAP, originally known as Engineers Without Borders. 

The Village Aid Project provides essential services like clean water and solar energy to remote, underdeveloped communities. Students oversee every step of the project and are supported by mentors, professors, and professionals in their fields. 

Laurie Williams, a VAP faculty lead and engineering professor at FLC, said that while most VAP systems focus on gravity systems, this one was different. 

“Zambia's flat terrain required us to step out of our comfort zone and drill boreholes,” she said. “This experience expanded our engineering capabilities and provided students with unique problem-solving challenges.” 

Connecting with community 

Matt Klema, assistant professor of physics and engineering at FLC, said one of the biggest challenges students faced was communicating with local community members about the project and overcoming their negative experiences with other foreigners. 

"We initially faced disengagement from the community due to cultural differences and previous experiences with outside help. However, our students' dedication to learning the local language and actively participating in the work helped build trust and collaboration," Klema said. 

Elijah Covak, a third-year engineering student at FLC, said their doubts were understandable.  

“We knew what the end goal was and what it would look like, but they didn't. We were trying to get them involved so they understood what we were doing,” he said. 

"The ability to give back in such a tangible way to a community of tremendous people was the experience of a lifetime. Using the knowledge that I have garnered in school to be able to love on people in a real, meaningful way is a monumental blessing."  

Building Sustainable Solutions 

Klema said the team's primary task was to install a water distribution system in each community. This included constructing water towers with solar-powered pumps, laying pipelines, and installing water access points at households. In addition, the team built two footbridges to improve access to the shared community school and medical clinic.  

"We had to redesign on the spot and troubleshoot issues with limited resources. It was a real test of our engineering skills and teamwork," Klema said. 

Williams emphasized the importance of community involvement in ensuring the sustainability of their projects. "Each family in the community agreed to contribute to a water committee fund for maintenance. This approach not only provides immediate benefits but also empowers the community to manage and sustain the system independently," Williams noted. 

 
Looking Forward 

The trip inspired both students and faculty to continue their efforts.  

"I'm already looking forward to the next trip. The experience taught me so much about engineering and life," Peterson said.  

“This project has reinforced my desire to use my skills to make a tangible difference in the world," added Covak. "Anytime an individual gets the chance to take a calculated risk in their career, they should. My specific advice to students would be to make the most of the time you're in school. Go on trips, lean into programs, and take advantage of the resources provided. I am very grateful for the faculty here at Fort Lewis College. " 

For more information about the Village Aid Project and how to get involved, visit Fort Lewis College's website.