WATER RESOURCES IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES: AN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE-LEARING EXPERIENCE

Taylor University has a strong focus on service, stewardship, and world outreach. In keeping with the University mission and purpose, the Earth and Environmental Science Department has established a new program combining community service and outreach in a developing country with academic application of environmental stewardhsip in rural water resource development.

This program involves students in cross-cultural orientation and hydrogeology courses in the fall semester as prerequisites. During Interterm in January, students travel for three weeks of training and project activities related to water resource development; such as drilling wells, developing springs, designing water treatment systems, teaching hygiene, and designing sanitation projects. Regular reflection through journaling and discussions optimize students' service and learning.

This presentation summarizes the structure and outcome of the current program over two years in Guatemala and presents future plans for other service sites in Central America.