Lucy, a fourth year MEng Civil Engineering student, writes about this week’s expedition to Borneo and the work that the students have had to do before they depart.
On March 10th, a group of 20 final year students will be travelling to two small villages in the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo to build and install gravity-fed water systems and sanitation blocks for up to 300 people. The project gives us the opportunity to put into practice the engineering skills we have learnt over the last 4 years in a real-life design and build project. It also gives us the opportunity to develop our teamwork and leadership skills in a completely new and challenging environment.
Laying pipe during the Borneo Expedition 2014
In the run up to the trip, we have produced basic plans and taken part in training to make sure that we are as prepared as we can be for the expedition. Over the last four months, in teams of 5, we have conducted a feasibility study and produced concept designs for a gravity-fed water supply system. We have also considered the social and environmental impacts of our work, by undertaking comprehensive risk assessments and discussing as a group, the ways in which we can limit any negative impacts on the community. Whilst in the community, our aim is to immerse ourselves in the Malaysian culture and embrace life in the community. To help with this, we have learnt some basic Malay phrases and cultural traditions, as well as the rules of Sepak takraw, a popular Malaysian volleyball-type game.
Over the last 8-10 months, we have been completing fundraising activities to raise the £2300 needed for the trip. Efforts have included sponsored walks, runs, triathlons, bake sales, 3 peaks and much more. Our group fundraising activities have not only helped to raise much needed cash, but have also helped us to bond as a team before having to live together for 3 whole weeks!
Raleigh International play a major role in the organisation of the expedition, including holding a preparation day in advance of the trip. On the Raleigh day we learnt some key information about the villages we would be helping and had a run through of all the kit that we would need before we travel. We also learnt more about the conditions that we would be living in, including constructing our own toilets and showers and the all-important Raleigh rations!
So, here we go! We have had our jabs, bought our kit and prepared our designs. I am nervous and excited all at the same time, but most importantly I can’t wait to be able to put the skills I have learnt during our course into practice into a real-life environment, to improve the lives of people in the communities and leave a lasting legacy.
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