This summer Duke Engineers for International Development (DEID) will be partnering with Engineers in Action (EIA) and the community of Nyawoluhle, eSwatini to construct a suspended pedestrian footbridge across the Ngwempsi River. This bridge will provide direct access for over 680 individuals, of which 380 are school-aged children, and will directly link the community to medical care, schools and access to the market. In the past three years, the attempts at crossing the river have resulted in six deaths, and many more serious injuries. 

Our student design team is currently working alongside professional engineers to design this 122 meter long bridge (EIA's longest bridge yet!). And this summer, a team of Duke University engineering students will travel for 9 weeks to work alongside local engineers and community members to make this bridge a reality!

This past summer, I traveled with DEID to Japo, Bolivia to construct a 105 meter long pedestrian footbridge that hung 15 meters above the riverbed. This bridge provided direct access for children and families to the local primary school. From my experience, I can attest that the work that EIA does is community-driven and sustainable. EIA is partnered with the government of Eswatini to provide the financial, technical, and human resources needed to make these bridge sites a reality. I am excited to get to partner again with EIA for another high-impact bridge project this summer. 

Our team is fundraising to support the material costs of our bridge project. Every dollar donated will go directly to Engineers In Action to pay for the needed supplies. We would love it if you chose to partner with us financially to make this bridge a reality!

If you are interested in staying up-to date on our project send me an email at emily.hallock@duke.edu and I would be happy to stay in touch!

**All personal travel expenses for the team are covered. Every donation made will go directly to the materials needed for the bridge construction.**