Overview

The Rubaya Program at the Engineers Without Borders New York (EWB-NY) Professional Chapter has been partnered with Goodneighbors, a maize farming cooperative in the northern Rwandan community of Rubaya, since July 2015. The goal of the partnership is to support Goodneighbors’ economic development by elevating existing small-scale agricultural practices into a sustainable, thriving industry.

Our team has completed Phase 1 of our project, the design and construction of a maize storage facility that houses maize in proper conditions so Goodneighbors is able sell their harvest at a premium price months after the harvest season when maize is not widely available.

Project Status

EWB-NY is currently working on Phase 2, the design and construction of a maize mill plant facility. This construction project will include a new access road, building, and mill equipment. We are currently identifying fundraising resources as well as developing a business plan to ensure long term success of the Goodneighbors cooperative.

You can donate directly to the project and track our fundraising progress through this link here: https://support.ewb-usa.org/team/519100

Current Needs

The funding of this project is crucial in advancing economic sustainability, food security, and entrepreneurship in a rural community with little capital but big dreams. While we work on the design of the Phase 2 mill plant facility, we are seeking financial support for the construction. Our hard working team is volunteering their time and vacation days to help this community, but we need help to pay for it. If you or your company would like to sponsor our cause, please donate here.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with this effort, including:

• Geotechnical engineers
• Mechanical engineers
• Electrical engineers
• Structural engineers
• Those with construction experience
• Non-engineers passionate about humanitarian work!

How to Get Involved:

EWB-NY Rubaya team meets weekly, with virtual and in-person options, to work together on the design and construction plan. We welcome all volunteers with any background! You do not have to be an engineer to make a difference. If you’re not sure where to start, shoot us an email at rubaya@ewbny.org!

The Team