Kathmandu University in collaboration with Technion - Israel Institute of Technology had conducted a month long International Summer Course in Nepal. The program entitled 'Engineering for Developing Communities' under UNESCO UNITWIN Program had under graduate engineering students coming from Israel, United States of America, Australia, France, China and Nepal. The focus of this program was on the theory and field knowledge with the core idea on Bio-Gas, Improved Cooking Stoves, Solar PV, Improved Water Mills, Rain Water Harvesting and Hydraulic Pump.
The opening ceremony was held on 22 July 2013 at the premises of Kathmandu University amidst the presence of UNESCO country representative, KU Vice Chancellor, delegates from Technion-Israel, Delegates from University of Colorado – Boulder, teachers and students from the University along with the participating international students. Speaking at the opening, H.E. Mr. Hanan Goder, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal said, 'I am proud to be associated with education, engineering and community work. This is the first time that such cooperation between Nepal and Israel takes place.'
Prof. Mark Talesnick, founder and head of EWB-Technion, Israel, said,'the program provides an opportunity for all the students to interact and have a real international engineering experience.Not just engineering students but also students from different faculties take part and impart their different viewpoints'.
Dr. Bim Prasad Shrestha, Kathmandu University Department coordinator for the program in Nepal, said “It is a great opportunity for students and faculty at Kathmandu University to interact with faculty and students from abroad and work together to achieve common goal. Such programs will be continued with several other partners around the globe to further enhance such program in future”
During the stay here in Nepal, the students worked at the outreach centers of Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel. The closing ceremony was held at the Israeli Ambassador's residence on 15 August, 2013 amidst the presence of Israeli Ambassador, different dignitaries, program staff including faculty from Technion, University of Colorado – Boulder and Kathmandu University, participating national and international students along with Shalom Club Members.
Editor's Note:
EWB is an international organization with more than 300 chapters around the world. Founded in 2001 by Prof. Bernard Amadei, it is dedicated to fostering sustainable energy projects in developing and disadvantaged communities around the world.
The Technion is Israel's premiere institute of engineering and science. Founded in 1912, it has led the way for industrial and infrastructure development in Israel, with Technion graduates the driving force propelling Israel into the forefront of the high tech revolution.
EWB - Technion's involvement with Nepal began in December 2008 with a fact-finding trip to the country to observe the needs of villagers in Namsaling in Ilam province. This was followed up by a trip led by Prof. Talesnick and the beginning of a project to install biogas reactor systems, providing sustainable energy, in rural Nepal. More than 62 units have been built and installed over the past four years, at a cost of less than $32,000.
A total of 36 students are participating for the course this year under the program including nine from Nepal.
For more information, please visit the following websites:
http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/InnovativeIsrael/Pages/Engineers-Without-Borders.aspx