Christian Rojas, Ivonne Santiago and Jorge Romero at the University of Texas at El Paso in the Campus of Mundy Heights, El Paso, Texas
ABOUT US
The uní masaqueri Alliance is based on the principles of Peace Engineering and the active participation of the community in the design of environmental solutions according to their needs and traditions. The uní masaqueri Alliance team combines the multidisciplinary expertise of Civil Engineer Ivonne Santiago (University of Texas at El Paso-USA), Cadastral and Geodesist Engineer Jorge Romero (Universidad Santo Tomás – Bogotá, Colombia) and Chemical Engineer Christian Rojas (Universidad Santo Tomás – Villavicencio, Colombia) to create projects in the area of water, sanitation and energy in vulnerable communities of Colombia and the Mexican-US Border.
OUR PROPOSAL
Today's world presents many challenges, which are best solved when societies work in synergy. In vulnerable areas where resource scarcity is commonplace, the relationship between the creators of technical solutions (engineers) and the recipients of them (community) is a key factor for success.
For the technical solution for a community, the available infrastructure and the construction of new ones that involve low-cost and easy-maintenance techniques are considered, without substantially altering or modifying territorialities with which the community identifies. The technical solution implemented begins with exploratory work on the current situation to solve:
Phase 1: Identify the territorial dynamics of the community andthe problematic to solve.
Phase 2: Analyze the technical alternatives that allow the implementation of an adequate technical solution in a participatory manner with the community, to determine which solution is the most appropriate for their needs.Phase 3: Design and build the selected technical solutionand training. This stage begins once the solution is selected and detailed engineering starts to be planned.
Colonias in the US/México Border
Improvement of the sanitary conditions in informal communities
The Colonias are informal, unincorporated, impoverished settlements outside the auspices of local government that lack essential public services and infrastructure. In the Paso del Norte Region at the US-Mexican border these communities are common due to the migration conflict. To improve their conditions it is given assistance for the storage and preservation of water used for drinking, basic needs, and hygiene so as alternatives to treat their drinking water. The project was finaced by the US EPA and North American Development Bank .
La Victoria Native Reserve in Colombian Orinoquía
Clean Water for indigenous communities
The Piapoco Community is formed by around 500 persons in the La Victoria Native Reserve. Actually presented problems for the supply of clean water and at the same time energy problems to pumping water. The alliance allowed the design and construction of a non conventional drinking water unit with participation of the community and with solar energy functionality. It was developed considering its traditions and territoriality. The project was financed by the Populorum Progressio of the Vatican.
ACTIVE PARTICIPATON OF THE COMMUNIY
Together creating a better future
OUR PRINCIPLES
EXPLORING
Alliance Team at the La Victoria Native Reserve
It helps you understand the context, identify key factors, and uncover hidden details. Work with the students at the La Victoria Indigenous reservation
CONDITIONS
Poor storage in Colonia Anapra-Ciudad Juárez
A critical factor for the safety and health so like the sustainability of a technical solution. Technical analysis are mandatory to evaluate the risks.
TEAM WORK
Alliance Team in field activities
It's not just about getting the job done; it's about doing it in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of the people involved (technicals and community).
PRACTICALITY
Collecting Sawyer One Point Filter-Ciudad Juárez
Sometimes, the most elegant solutions are the simplest ones. Simple solutions also tend to be more sustainable and easier to implement. It's like finding that one key that fits all the right locks—it just works!
REBUILDING
Structure work at the La Victoria Native Reserve
Reusing old structures not only saves money but also taps into the wisdom of the past. It's like recycling, but for architecture. Plus, there's a certain charm in repurposing old spaces—it's like telling a story through design. So, it's a win-win for your wallet and the environment!
TECHNICAL
Design according to needs
The technical aspects in engineering are like the building blocks of innovation. Here the expertise of the Engineers play a key rolle but without forget the knowledge and experience that brings the community, specially when we talk about native communities, the knowledge goes in both directions.
APPROPIATION
Drinking Water Unit - Piapoco Community
It's about considering the community or society where your project is implemented and ensuring that it meets their needs and values. It's not just about technical success but about being socially relevant and embraced. An example is the integration of native language in the instructions of device and participation of community in the building process.
TRAINING
Workshop with community members in Ciudad Juárez
It's not just about acquiring knowledge but also developing the skills and expertise needed to tackle real-world challenges. If we talk a project in the colombian jungle or the periphery of a big city like Ciudad Juárez, training is the key to unlocking the full potential of the community in the use of technical solutions!
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