I found a great story in the U.S. News University Directory about a group of engineering students from the University of Buffalo who are in the process of building a bridge across a Kenyan ravine in Africa. The bridge will help locals in the area stay more connected with neighboring towns. During the rainy seasons, the ravine is usually flooded and not passable due to running water. With the help of these engineering students, a bridge will be constructed that runs across the ravine, making it easy and efficient for people to get from one side to the other. 24 students under the direction of their adjunct professor have designed a hanging bridge that is intended to “withstand the elements in Kenya.” The group partnered with a non profit called Bridging the Gap Africa, an organization that builds pedestrian bridges all around the continent. Over the past decade, ravines similar to the one that will have this newly constructed bridge, have accounted for more than 6,000 deaths due to flooding and running water. This bridge will not only be helpful for Kenyan people when traveling to other towns, but it will also keep them safe.
A quote from the adjunct professor at University of Buffalo put the whole story in perspective with this statement, ”I decided if the students were going to go through all the trouble to design something, it may as well be something that will actually be built and provide benefit to people.”
It is amazing to see students use their knowledge and thought process at such an early age. They are making a great and lasting impact on villages half way around the world. I give the professor at this University a lot of credit for choosing such a meaningful assignment for his students. It is always great to see students do nice things for others.
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