My experience
It was a mix between the desire to travel to Nepal and working with EWB as they are an incredible organisation that does amazing work.
How has the experience changed you?
Personally it has made me humble to what I have and not falling into the trap of needing more. Academically it taught me to open my eyes to the possibility of change. Professionally it showed me the human centred design process that I can emulate in a practical context.
Favourite memory
My favourite memory is one with the home-stay family. On the last night we were there, the mother of the house was out in the dark and cold using two rocks and a stick as a large mortar and pestle to grind rice into flour. This was to be used as the breakfast for the next day. We went out and sat with her and convinced her to let us help her. Up until this point she was reluctant to let us help with anything. The smile on her face while we were trying to help is unforgettable. The father of the house after that sat the three of us guys down and told us that he now has 6 sons and that we always have a home here and to visit again when we are big engineers.
(Picture 2.) One day in the Village we hiked up to the local health post that is used to provide basic medical care to the surrounding villages. We sat for a hour with the gentleman and had a conversation with him about his life and his aspirations. He is a 21 year old health assistant that was relocated from his home by the government for work and has the dream of becoming a doctor one day but cannot afford the education.
Top tips
Go in with an open mind, be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Squat toilets, odd food and bartering with locals.
Funding
New Colombo Mobility Grant.