ENVIRONMENTAL GEOSCIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: SERVICE-LEARNING IN WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE

Inadequate water and sanitation represents a great global health challenge. Of over six billion inhabitants of Earth, nearly one billion lack clean water and over two billion lack adequate sanitation. As a result, 30,000 die daily; mostly children. To address this issue, Earth and Environmental Science students at Taylor University participate in a course sequence on international development and water resource, sanitation, and hygiene.

In the fall, Hydrogeology students review topics of hydrogeology, water resources, well drilling, well protection, water treatment, health and sanitation, and learn to site and drill a well. Each student develops advanced learning in one related topic for sharing in Guatemala. Students also take a course in Cross-Cultural Service to study community development, cross-cultural communication, personal assessments, and characteristics of the host country.

During January, the international service-learning course, Water Resources and Appropriate Technology, includes well-drilling, pump installation/repair/maintenance, appropriate technologies, roof-catchment cisterns, latrine design and construction, water quality treatment/protection, community health and environment assessments, hygiene and sanitation education. Students synthesize their academic preparation and service through experience, host interactions, team discussions, personal journals, examinations, and a final topic report to understand the role of environmental geosciences and the responsibility of individuals in international development.

In the spring, students conclude with an experimental topics course in Global Water Supply and Sanitation and an elective course in International Community Development to understand the need, potential, and complexity of rural and urban international community development. The year-long course sequence prepares graduate students for summer international internships in water resources and community development.