Engineers Without Borders: Creating Real Change

Ayla Prince submitted this story as a part of JCOM 1130

The bitter, howling winds of the Peruvian mountains claim the lives of thousands of alpacas each year. In these rugged highlands, the local herders are powerless to shield their alpacas from the lethal, frigid conditions. 

Brayden Monson and Rebecca Sweeten, president and vice president of the Engineers Without Borders USU Chapter, lead a team that has chosen to face this problem head-on. 

“Just because something doesn’t feel like a big problem to us doesn’t mean it’s not a big problem,” Monson said. 

While alpaca shelters are not a top priority for most USU students, they can be life-changing for those living 4,000 miles south of campus. 

From yarn and meat to clothing and musical instruments, alpacas are an essential part of the Peruvian herder lifestyle. Despite this, the all-important animals are not properly sheltered from the cold. 

This is where Engineers Without Borders steps in. In three remote communities in Peru, portable shelters – designed specifically to withstand the windy conditions on the mountainside – are now in place to protect alpacas from lethal cold fronts. 

Engineers Without Borders is crossing both geographical and diplomatic lines to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The nonprofit organization is committed to building a better world through engineering projects. 

Engineers Without Borders at Utah State, EWB-USU, harnesses the skills and experience of its members, applying them to communities that lack the fundamental provisions to implement change on their own. 

In addition to the Peru project, EWB-USU has provided aid to Mexico, Uganda and Arizona, addressing issues such as water filtration and internet access. 

To be a part of real change, using real solutions for real problems, join EWB-USU at their club meetings in the Engineering Building, Room 106, every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

EWB-USU is not only for engineering majors. The club is founded on engineering, but to succeed in creating change, it relies on individuals with diverse expertise.

The club needs support from individuals who can help with fundraising, marketing, social media management and other tasks that go beyond engineering. “It takes a village,” Monson said. 

The effort is larger than just solving technical problems or building alpaca shelters. Engineers Without Borders is about creating real, lasting change where it is needed most. As Sweeten put it, “we can get involved right now in work that is important right now.”