Service-Learning Approaches to International Humanitarian Design Projects: Assessment of Spiritual Impact

About Service-Learning Approaches to International Humanitarian Design Projects: Assessment of Spiritual Impact

Abstract

Christians are called to be both globally aware (Mt. 28:19-20) and sensitive to humanitarian needs (Mt. 25:38-40). This calling leads to an awareness of abundant opportunities to give aid, often in ways which may be linked to the name of Jesus Christ (Mt. 5:16, Gal. 6:10). Engineering faculty at Christian institutions have a unique stewardship opportunity to channel the enthusiasm of students who are eager to apply their newly acquired engineering tools. This paper discusses a special case of service-learning projects that involve applying engineering skills to address problems of the poor in developing nations. These projects are referred to here as “international humanitarian” (IH) projects. Four such projects are documented and discussed in-depth in a parallel ASEE paper, including the design of (1) a women’s hospital in Nigeria by senior engineering students at Calvin College, (2) a crop irrigation system in support of a Honduran community development organization by Dordt College students, (3) a modular and scalable solar power system providing economical power to remote areas by electrical engineering seniors at Grove City College, and (4) a water purification system in Guatemala by Messiah College students. These four projects are summarized in the appendix for reference. This paper builds on the foundation of the parallel ASEE paper, which discusses general pedagogical aspects of the projects. Here we focus our attention on aspects of special interest to Christian engineering educators. We discuss the objectives that motivate IH projects as well as steps to enhance achievement of these objectives. We conclude by highlighting implications for future IH student projects, with student academic and spiritual growth and high-impact deliverables fulfilling specific needs.