Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Birmingham has gone from strength the strength after its triumphant Welcome Week campaign, holding several successful events throughout the year.

The TED Talks we show in some meetings have been very educational and have given more social context to the work that engineers and scientists do throughout the world. We have also expanded the activities in our meeting, from talks about volunteering and engineering, to international development exercises in order to offer a variety of opportunities to our members.

Following up on suggestions from last year, the committee has endeavoured to hold more socials this academic year. One of the new events was a visit to the German Christmas Markets held in Birmingham City Centre at the end of November. This was a really excellent thing to do to help forget about the stresses of work towards the end of term, and is something we shall be doing again! We have also done socials in Joe’s Bar on campus so our newest recruits could get to know others and the committee better and strengthen the bonds within our members.

Through EWB: Birmingham several new STEM Ambassadors have been inspired to volunteer in local schools, teaching children about science, technology, engineering and maths and also delivering EWB presentations about attaining and purifying water and obtaining electricity in developing countries.

Furthermore several of our members effectively volunteered at the national Big Bang Fair in March to engage children with engineering and its infinite applications in the world. As expected, this event was extremely special to those who partook, as the chance to educate and inspire young engineers is very dear to us and something that is firmly embedded into EWB’s values.

On top of all this we have run our termly Pear Jam, live music nights at the Bristol Pear in Selly Oak, which have featured 6 talented acts each, from across the University. These events have raised over £600 and this money will be used to run trips outside of Birmingham and fund travel for volunteers.

Finally, our AGM was very well attended and a new committee of 8 elected. Preparations are now under way for the 2016-2017 academic year and I anticipate the coming year to be brilliant! I’m sad not to be here next year given the exceptional committee we will have.

EWB Pear Jam 2016
EWB-ww2015
EWB Ted 2016

We are now counting down to the end of term and annual EPS Societies’ Awards. With the tremendous year we’ve had we’re hoping to get on our hands on one of the prestigious Awards on offer. If you are or have been part of EWB, or have enjoyed reading about our activities this year please nominate us!

Written by Alex Brierley; 2015-2016 Vice President of Engineers Without Borders Birmingham.