The Minnesota Professional Chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-MN) recently completed the Aldea Patzac school project in rural Guatemala. The all-volunteer project team, including Barr senior structural engineer Mustafa Igdelioglu, designed, fundraised, and supported construction of a new school, replacing the former structure, which had been adversely impacted by decades of seismic activity and erosion. The new school features a new retaining wall to stabilize a critical eroding slope and better accommodations for all 60 elementary-aged students in the growing community.
“I am tremendously proud of the team and the work that went into completing the Aldea Patzac school project,” says Jake Hexum, Chapter President. “We have such a phenomenal group of volunteers; I can’t wait to tackle more projects and help those who need it most.”
As 2022 nears, the chapter has their sights set on preexisting local projects and two new international projects. The new international projects will focus on a structural project in Uganda and a water project in Guatemala. Barr has contributed financial support and employee time to EWB-MN since 2011.
“With passionate volunteers, partnership support, and dedicated leadership, the Minnesota Professional Chapter of Engineer Without Borders is excited for what’s next,” says Matt Wessale, Vice President of International Projects.
If you would like to support EWB-MN, you can donate or contact them directly.
About EWB-MN
Engineers Without Borders MN is a nonprofit group of professional engineers, architects, scientists, and others who aim to implement solutions for communities in need across the globe. The group builds a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs.