Studying abroad is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM), students have this opportunity, for example, in the Department of Life Science Engineering (LSE). There, the Master's programme in Environmental, Hygiene, and Safety Engineering (UHSI) is offered. As a supplement to the module "Water Technology for Developing Countries," two excursions to the Moshi region of Tanzania, near Kilimanjaro, have already taken place, and a third is planned.
The project began in early 2021, as reported by programme director Prof. Dr. Harald Platen. At that time, THM received a request from the non-governmental organization "Better Future Foundation" (BFF) to analyze a water sample from Tanzania. The organization works worldwide to improve the quality of life for people in need. Based on this request, a study project was developed in the "Water Technology for Developing Countries" module during the summer semester of 2021, and the trip to Tanzania was planned. It took place that autumn, accompanied by BFF President Ralf Naujoks.
The goal was to install a water filter for the inclusive St. Francis School, which serves both children with and without disabilities. The filter, named "Paul," installed by THM Applied Sciences, is primarily intended to keep the water germ-free. The device, as well as the local travel expenses, was financed by the BFF (Business and Family Foundation). The installation was carried out under the guidance of the students; the work was performed by locals, as it is prohibited for foreigners. In another project, an irrigation system was installed for the garden of the Mwereni School. This inclusive school serves many visually impaired children. A well already existed on the site, and the water was to be piped through a suitable system to fields and meadows where fruits and vegetables are grown for the school's own consumption.
A year later, a second excursion to Tanzania followed. The work continued by the Mwereni School – and demonstrably successful – was reviewed and transferred to another school: Trinity School and its affiliated farm, where the goal is to produce affordable food. Cattle, goats, and pigs are also raised there. However, the local vegetation was severely stunted due to the high salinity of the water. The THM students want to provide assistance with this problem as cost-effectively as possible. Last year's participants will meet with this year's group to discuss this issue and share their proposed solutions. The BFF (Business and Family Foundation) will then initiate a dedicated fundraising campaign to finance suitable water treatment technology for Trinity School. An existing rainwater harvesting system can only make a small contribution because the rainy season, which usually lasts from March to June, has dramatically reduced to just a few rainy days. Therefore, another initiative by the THMguests focused on the construction of two additional water treatment plants to supply the town of Moshi. This excursion was accompanied by Hansjörg Rempen and Detlef Glitsch from the organization "Technology without Borders".
Both excursions allowed time for exploring the landscape and culture. Prof. Platen climbed Kilimanjaro on the first trip, while other participants went on safaris or visited the island of Zanzibar. There was also a trip to the Mataruni Waterfalls.
Another excursion is planned for autumn 2023; 20 interested students are participating in the preliminary meeting. "Studying means thinking outside the box," Platen says of this opportunity.