WATER RESOURCES, SANITATION, AND COMMUNITY HEALTH: AN INTERNATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING PROGRAM

Taylor University offers a series of courses focusing on community development and appropriate technologies of water resource, sanitation, and hygiene training to improve community health. During the fall semester, students prepare in three pre-requisite courses: Introduction to Cross-Cultural Service, Missions Technology, and Hydrogeology. Students practice drilling a well and complete readings, research, discussion, and papers on topics of water resources, health and sanitation, community development, cross-cultural communication, personal assessments, and characteristics of the host country.

During January, the three-week international service-learning course, Water Resources and Appropriate Technology, includes well-drilling, pump installation/repair/maintenance, study of appropriate technologies, roof-catchment cisterns, latrine design and construction, water quality treatment/protection, community health and environment assessments, hygiene and sanitation education. Students assess hydrologic and environmental conditions and plan service/outreach projects while gaining, cross-cultural experience, interpersonal development and communication, and personal reflection and integration. Students synthesize their academic preparation and service through experience, host interactions, team discussions, personal journals, and examinations.

During the spring semester, students conclude the January experience with scheduled reflection and continued study in the course “International Community Development.” This course expands students understanding of the need, potential, and complexity of rural and urban international community development. Students focus on the challenges and possible solutions to natural resource, environmental and economic problems that are workable within the cultural, social and historical contexts of the country. The year-long course sequence prepares students for summer international internships in water resources and community development.