On 2nd April, EWB-GU hosted its first ever all-day training event centred around the theme of WASH (WAter, Sanitation and Hygiene), the new committee having organised, publicised and deployed the surprise series of workshops in less time than is theoretically possible.

Brian Reed from WEDC (the Water, Engineering and Development Centre at Loughborough University) kicked the day off with a general introduction to WASH, highlighting the holistic and cross-disciplinary approach it promotes, something that is essential to ensure the long-term success of international development projects.

One snappy group exercise on latrine design later, all in attendance were fired up for the morning's talks. Dr. Gavin Collins of Glasgow University gave a demonstration of his work on bio-digester technology and explained a new project aiming to implement bio-digester towers in peri-urban areas of developing nations. John Heelham rounded off the morning by explaining the human barriers faced when implementing development projects, drawn from challenging personal experience.

After an incredible home-made lunch provided by Craig from the EWB-GU committee, the EWB-GU training team hosted parallel hands-on workshops. Led by Iza and Alison, these not only explained the principles behind both handwashing stations and composting toilets, but also finally gave participants the chance to build something. We do like engineering after all. From simple elements of card, duct tape and sawdust emerged elegant and intricate toilet designs, some even including luxuries like lids and signage.

Brian rounded off the day by updating us on WEDC's current research and some popular topics among water and sanitation engineers at present, including Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS).

Click the photo to view the full photo gallery from the event.