Good cause founded by Southampton engineering students wins national acclaim
Cameroon Catalyst, a charity founded by engineering students at the University of Southampton, has been recognised by The Institution of Structural Engineers and the Joint Board of Moderators as an inspirational example of best practice in structural engineering education.
The international development charity brings together students, engineers and specialists to help facilitate sustainable development in villages in Cameroon; it was created by Southampton alumni Claire Gott and her friend Emily Hill in 2009, when they were final year engineering students.
"I've managed and chaired the charity ever since and it's something I'm very passionate about both because of its impact on the quality of life of villagers in Cameroon and also because it's helping to inspire the next generation of engineers here in the UK - as well as making them more employable," says Claire. "I'm delighted that the Institution has identified it as an example of best practice."
Working with local charity, The Mosame Trust, Cameroon Catalyst has so far helped deliver a new medical centre, a carpentry and mechanical workshop, as well as energy and housing improvements, to the village of Bambouti in Cameroon.
Janet Clark, Education Manager at The Institution of Structural Engineers, says: "We can only praise Cameroon Catalyst's excellent model, which provides students with skills and experience including hands-on technical and project management, working with end users and different site conditions, and developing design and construction skills - hugely improving students' employability as a result.
"We are also impressed by the way the project encourages engagement between industry and academia, having so far attracted industrial sponsorship from partners including WSP, Costain and Arup."
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