A historic deal: EWB welcomes debt-cancellation

On June 11th , finance ministers from the G8 countries reached a landmark deal to immediately cancel the debts of 18 of the world's most heavily-indebted and impoverished countries, 14 of which are in Africa. EWB applauds the move as an important step towards the alleviation of poverty and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals.

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Applicants sought for six long-term volunteer placements

EWB is currently seeking six highly motivated people for volunteer positions commencing in January 2006. Positions are available in the fields of water and sanitation, food processing, and rural energy. Successful applicants will be placed on projects in partnership with internationally renowned organizations such as WaterAid and Enterprise Works or with reputable locally based organizations.

The placements range in length from 12 to 14 months and those selected will attend a rigorous month-long pre-departure training in Toronto starting in January. All of the positions are voluntary, however EWB will cover all costs specific to the placement as well as a living stipend. The positions are open to people from diverse backgrounds.

The application deadline is September 2, 2005. Visit our website for more information about these opportunities and to apply online.

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The unexpected side of development work: A letter from Tom Owen in Ghana

For most Canadians, the image that comes to mind when one thinks of a development worker is of a young westerner in the blazing African sun with a shovel in hand or surrounded by children at a school teaching English - rarely, perhaps never, do we think of a development worker as someone sitting in front of a computer.

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EWB alumni: Making a difference at work,finding connections to EWB

For Juan Anderson, a former EWB chapter president, developing and implementing solutions that will "improve people's lives is what engineering is all about." He along with Heather Davidson, both EWB alumni, realize that engineers can make important contributions to society.

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A first taste of Africa for 35 volunteers

Six weeks ago, 35 EWB volunteers headed to eight different countries in Africa and Asia. Not only were they the largest group sent overseas by EWB to date, but they were also the most highly trained of our short-term volunteers. Yet despite months of training and preparation, no one can ever truly predict what their experience overseas would be like, and for these volunteers, the first month was dotted with moments of surprise and amazement.

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