USI Engineering Students Transform Lives in Eswatini with Two Innovative Footbridges

The University of Southern Indiana’s Engineers in Action (EIA) chapter recently made waves in Eswatini, Africa, by helping to build two important footbridges. One of these was the first-ever student-led suspension bridge, which connects isolated communities to essential services like shops, schools, and clinics.

The Khelekhele footbridge stretches 93.5 meters across the Black Mbuluzi River and serves over 4,250 residents. USI partnered with students from Penn State and the University of Colorado Boulder for this ambitious project.

Building the bridges wasn’t easy. The team encountered a huge underground rock where the bridge was supposed to go. However, their resourcefulness turned this challenge into a successful feat, keeping the project on track.

Team members lived and worked closely with the local community, absorbing their culture and customs. Each student had a crucial role. Jonas Hollis, a manufacturing engineering major at USI, managed the project, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration among the teams. Kelsey Ellis, a civil engineering student, handled logistics, covering travel and accommodations. Kayla Gerth focused on quality control, making sure every construction detail met the high standards needed. Meanwhile, Sophia Miranda, studying biology, fostered connections with the locals. She noted, “As a non-engineering student, I found a new adventure and a welcoming community on this trip.”

The planning for these bridges started months in advance. Students worked with experienced engineers to finalize the designs, gaining practical experience that many used for their engineering courses.

After the Khelekhele project, the team built another bridge, the Hlanganani suspension bridge, impacting an additional 6,000 residents, including over 1,000 children. This bridge project marked another significant achievement for EIA, as it showcased their ability to lead bridge constructions.

Dr. Susan Ely, an engineering professor at USI, remarked on the challenges faced: “Applying engineering principles in diverse settings teaches students how powerful engineering can be in improving lives.”

The project didn’t just end with the completion of the bridges. Melanie Cedeno, a former USI student awarded EIA’s highest honor, now works in Eswatini, mentoring students from around the world. She emphasizes the impact of these projects, stating, “With these bridges, communities are united, gaining better access to opportunities.”

Overall, these efforts reflect the dedication of USI’s engineering program to real-world applications, enhancing student skills while making a tangible difference in communities. The university’s EIA chapter has been active in various locations over the years, including Bolivia and West Virginia.

For more detailed insights, check out the EIA organization here or learn more about USI’s efforts here.

Source link