About Us
What is Engineers for Overseas Development?
Engineers for Overseas Development (EFOD) is a voluntary organisation that is run by graduate engineers and architects. Our aim is to assist in the development and training of graduates by challenging them to undertake projects that improve public health in developing countries. We achieve this by forming strong partnerships with local communities and organisations in developing countries.
EFOD was established in Cardiff in 2001 and now works in two regional teams: 'EFOD Wales' based in Cardiff; and 'EFOD Southwest' based in Bristol. However, we currently have volunteers spread across a much greater area, including London, Cambridge and Birmingham, with the Birmingham volunteers in the process of starting an 'EFOD West Midlands' group.
EFOD's main supporter is the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE), with local links established with both ICE Wales and ICE South West.
Who is involved?
Young graduate volunteers - including engineers, architects and project managers - run the organisation from companies around the UK. Each regional EFOD team is strongly supported by their local ICE Region, various business leaders in the industry and, of course, their employers.
What do EFOD do?
Teams of volunteers will travel to a country, usually for short periods of time, to help promote and provide adequate public health facilities. They work in partnership with the local councils, organisations and people to identify projects and to educate and train the local workers in construction techniques and the need for adequate public health and sanitation.
Adequate sanitation is something that we can easily take for granted today, yet the World Health Organisation estimates that 2.4 billion people across the world do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. By providing latrines and other forms of sanitation, the local population will have a safe and hygienic sanitation system, which will help to stop the spread of disease and make a real difference to their lives.
How is it financed?
As well as carrying out design and helping on site, EFOD has a proud reputation for raising funds to deliver each project. This will typically involve raising enough money to provide the cost of materials for the construction of projects, with the local partner usually providing the labour for construction to take place. Extensive fundraising is carried out prior to the teams embarking on the project and support is sought from those within the engineering industry and other local organisations. Sponsored events and fundraising events are regularly carried out.
All the volunteers that travel overseas on a project are expected to fund their own travel and accommodation. In many cases individuals are sponsored by their employers or will obtain support from various individual fund raising events.
If you would like any further information about this year’s projects or if you would like to support us in any way, please do not hesitate to get in contact us. We would love to hear from you.
