Students trickled into Roone Arledge Auditorium Thursday night for lively music and authentic African cuisine as Engineers Without Borders celebrated the group’s student development projects in Ghana, India, and Uganda.
The evening, titled “Beyond Borders,” kicked off with informational booths about EWB’s various programs. Organizers screened movies and slideshows of the program’s efforts in Africa and Asia.
The turnout was “a lot larger than expected and we’re really excited about that,” said Nimit Mehta, SEAS ’09, head of the Engineers Without Borders’ India Project, and emcee for the night. Mehta expressed his hope that the event would increase understanding and awareness of the organization’s aims.
A large part of EWB’s mission is to implement innovations, such as latrines and other sustainable improvements, in communities to improve sanitation and food security. But participants in EWB emphasized the importance of maintaining strong ties with the communities they serve.
Attendees later enjoyed dance performances by student groups, between which EWB members spoke about their personal experiences in India and Africa.
“It was a great way to get to know EWB,” Hillary Chang, SEAS ’12, said.
Mehta emphasized that the event was not solely for fundraising, but also “for people to have some fun on a Thursday night.”