Kathmandu, Nepal – Travel Diary by Linn Bogren (continued)

Namaste! This is the second entry in my travel diary where I will describe my two months stay in Nepal where I will conduct my bachelors thesis together with Build Up Nepal (BUN), focusing on developing eco-friendly building blocks. I'll be working alongside Ashish Maharjan, responsible for R&D at BUN, specifically analyzing the impact of cement content, water percentage, and bulk density on the strength of the bricks. Linn Bogren, Engineering Physics student at KTH, and Engineers Without Borders Sweden.

Day 9, Sunday (Week 1 Summary)      

Kathmandu, Nepal, 2024

Apart from the first intensive days with the field trip and beginning of the testing the week has mostly consisted of getting to know the workplace and the people here. Before Raine Isaksson left we did some initial testing on a measuring equipment we call the cylinder compactor which can be used to measure the bulk density of block mixes. We had a final meeting where we discussed the results we got so far and the direction of the work forward.

I have made my first bricks, but they were without cement, mostly to get to know how the machines work and as a proof of concept. I have also got to participate when Ashish has done testing on other blocks. I have also gotten to meet the office cat Fred. He is quite social and most of the time he is nice but can sometimes get angry and claw at you.

My colleagues have been very welcoming which has made the first days a lot easier. Ashish and Christian have taken me to lunch and even let me try their home-made food. Ashish has also made sure I have somewhere to go for dinner and shopping food. 

Here in Nepal most people work 6 days a week which I also do since I will take a week off later when my mom comes to visit. That means that I only have Saturdays free so this week I took full advantage of my off day and walked around Kathmandu. I started the day early at the Buddhist “monkey temple” Swayambunath, where I walked about 100 meters up and walked clockwise around the temple as you should. You could see the city even though it was a bit foggy. 

Then I walked down to the Kathmandu Durbar Square where the King used to live. It is one of the World Heritage places and was hugely destroyed during the earthquake 2015. Now most of the temples have been rebuilt and where very pretty. I had a guide who told me the stories of the gods and the buildings for two hours.

On the way there Google Maps told me to walk over the river by a bridge. When I took a couple of steps out on the bridge, I realized that it actually only went halfway. Fortunately, there was a dirt passage closely to the side.

After noon I walked around in the party area of Thamel and eventually went to one of the sports climbing walls there. It was really fun, and it was nice doing some exercise since I have found it hard to run in the city because of the traffic. Overall, a great first day off and a first week in Nepal!

Day 16, Sunday (Week 2 Summary)    

Kathmandu, Nepal, March 2024

This week has been quite busy at work with making cement bricks. So far, I have made around 80 blocks and started the testing of them. Ashish helped me in the beginning but quite quickly I had to start being fully in charge of the mixes and procedures when he was busy which has been fun and smooth with the help of Saroj Llama and Ma Noj who are helping me in the workshop.

I bought a phrasebook when I was in Thamel so I have been trying to speak a little bit of Nepali, but it is quite hard since they have some sounds that we do not have and do not really pronounce the words like we would, given the spelling. I am doing my best though and now I know the numbers and some simple words used in the workshop!

On Monday night Ashish took me to Bhaktapur after work where I got to meet his wife Usha and see her beautiful clothing store. They then took me around the temples and small streets on a tour perfect for foodies. We tried samosa, panipuri and eventually stopped at a rooftop restaurant where we had some delicious keema noodles and spicy chicken wings. There was a cat there that really wanted to enjoy the food with us, but the staff could move it inside. Tuesday night I found a ladies group who plays football every week so me and Christian’s wife. Amina went there and it was really fun. I will probably go there every week that I am here now.

During my day off, Christian and Amina took me hiking up Champadevi, one of the peaks that surrounds the valley. We started around 10 and where at the top at 2278 meters around noon where we had some tea and cucumber before we headed down again. At the top we were talking about maybe continuing to the next peaks but after going the way down I think it was a good idea that we did not because I was exhausted. On the way down we also passed by a Buddhist monastery which was very calm, and we didn’t really see any people there. It was very pretty with big cloths waving in the wind and generally the garden was well taken care of. Back in the valley we had some well-deserved dal bhat tarkari. Later that night we visited a pub where a Nepali band called Himalayan Highways where playing. It was a mixture of American and Nepali bluegrass, and I really liked it!

Day 24, Monday (Week 3 Summary)   

Kathmandu, Nepal, March 2024

This week has been full of testing and some block making and I am really creating habits and routines. Every day between 1 and 2 it is lunch time but mostly teatime. Tea, and especially Masala tea is much bigger in Nepal than coffee and I actually think it is quite tasty. We sit at the upper terrace and enjoy it while we play Ludo (Fia med knuff) on someone’s phone. The weather is usually sunny and around 20 degrees Celsius during the day but most often quite smoggy. When the view is clearer, for example after a rainy day or when it is windier, you can actually see the Himalayas from the terrace. That happened this Wednesday and it was super pretty! They look like clouds but if you look closely, you can see the mountains peaking up. 

Apart from making bricks I have gone with Ashish to different labs around town to investigate if they could do the tests we require. There were definitely some good candidates and could be a part in the process of replacing cement with other pozzolanic materials. After one of the lab visits, we went by Boudha to look at another great Buddhist stupa (temple). There we also had some delicious keema (buffalo ground meat) noodles.

On Friday the 8th of March it was the Nepali holiday Shivaratri when they celebrate the god Shivas birthday (at least here, it seems to differ a bit). Shiva is the destroyer, and the festivals are especially big around Shiva temples. One of the most visited temples during Shivaratri is Pashupatinath and people travel there from all over Nepal and even India. Me, Christian and Amina went there quite early, around 10:30 and it quickly filled up with people. There is a river floating through the area where they have funerals and openly burn the bodies, not for the light-hearted to look at. Mostly it seems like a happy festival though and there where many gurus giving blessings. 

Later that night my Dad came to visit during the weekend. The first night we went to the Patan Durbar Square and had some dinner at a roof top bar. On Saturday we went to Bhaktapur, Swayambhunath, the Kathmandu durbar square and during the evening we did some pub crawling in Thamel. They often have live bands performing so we saw a rock band at Purple Haze and the singer Rachana at LOD. Our Sunday consisted of hiking up the mountain Chandragiri which is 2500 meters high. We walked about 7.5 kilometres with an elevation of 800 meters. At the top we were quite tired so then the thali set at the hotel on top was perfect and then we took the cable car down.

Text and photos by Linn Bogren, Engineering Physics student at KTH, and Engineers Without Borders Sweden

Travel Diary in Kenya by Carlo Svensson

Carlo Svensson has a Master's degree from the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), from the School of Engineering Sciences (SCI) in Applied Physics. He is also a member of the Engineers Without Borders Sweden, and as part of EWB's projects, "Supply Chain for Solar Cooking," Carlo is traveling to Kenya starting March 1, 2024. Carlo is writing a travel diary during his project and the work for Project 2024.001. Enjoy!

March 2nd

I landed at Nairobi Airport early in the morning. After getting a local sim-card and fending off some black cab offers, my Bolt driver picked me up and drove me to my hotel. The car ride lasted for about 20 minutes and I got to see many of the poorer parts of Nairobi on the way. The lack of sleep might have enhanced the initial culture shock a bit but I am certain that in a few days I will feel more comfortable and on top of things. 

My hopes for productivity today extend only to starting off the diary, answering emails and gathering some neighborhood do’s and don’ts from the hotel staff. I really feel I need to rest and take all the new impressions in. Tomorrow I want to plan the coming week in terms of who I am to meet and also create an interview structure so that my meetings can go as smoothly as possible. I am truly excited about this project!

March 4th

Today I visited Asulma Centre. Samuel Odhiambo (founder of Asulma Centre) picked me up from my hotel and drove me to the site where they operate. On our way there we passed Kibera, the biggest slum in Nairobi. It didn’t seem right to take pictures but, like I assume for most people who see Kibera for the first time, it left a mark.

When arriving at Asulma Centre we were greeted by the pupils that attend school there. I got to take part in the morning prayer and was shown a demonstration of the solar cookers they have on site. I really enjoyed my stay and got to interview one of the teachers about his role at Asulma Centre and his experiences and hopes for solar cooking. For my next meeting with Samuel, he is going to bring me along when he meets a customer.

I taught the kids the peace-sign. My former hippie aunt would be proud

March 5th

I had a meeting with EED Advisory today in Lavington. Very helpful and super smart. I got a lot of resources and contacts that I think will prove very useful. When we were done I took a stroll around Lavington and then took a taxi to the Swedish embassy. I thought I could just waltz in because I'm a citizen but apparently no. However, right next to the embassy there was a cafe that served the best drink I’ve ever had (alcohol free of course).

I was the only customer so I could walk around and take some pictures in between looking through my notes from the meeting. It was a great afternoon and I definitely feel more at home than I did the day of arrival.

March 6th

I had a meeting, turned lunch, turned coffee with Charles Oloo of Thermofield Industrial today. He was super helpful and very keen on continuing a collaboration with EWB. We talked about setting up some meetings with key people from the government and also to attend a demonstration of his huge solar disc that he keeps at a site a couple of miles out of town. I’m starting to feel way more at home and with every meeting I have, the picture grows clearer of the solar cooking market.

After we said goodbye and I returned to my hotel I took a well deserved nap and then organized my notes.  All in all, it was a good day.

March 8th

Today I did not have a single meeting today so I googled some recommended cafés in Nairobi and ended up taking a Bolt to Pallet Café located in Lavington. It ended up being a great choice. The cafe served great drinks and good food. I could sit there with my laptop and read research papers all day. Life is good. It was a great move to leave Sweden during winter.

Amazing place for work. I ended up getting a visit from this guy while having my coffee. I think he’s an undercover cop…

March 13th

Samuel and his friend took me out to Kithimani, a small village a 3h drive outside of Nairobi. I got to meet Sarah who is selling solar cookers there. She invited us for coffee and later lunch after we helped her assemble a large solar dish used for demonstrating solar cooking.

She was very kind and after lunch we visited a local school to say hi to the children and investigate whether or not the school would be open to a solar-cooking solution.

The children had never seen a white person before so initially they all ran away and started crying. But after seeing me interacting with their teachers and parents they all wanted to take photos. A kid asked me “Is it true that you are allergic to the sun?”. I guess technically yes

Overall a great day!

March 14th

Visited Charles Oloos demonstration site today and met his partner Harriet. She was the best! The demonstration site was located a couple of hours outside of Nairobi by car and I got to see his 16m² solar dish in action. Super cool stuff!

To be continued.

Kathmandu, Nepal – Travel Diary

Travel Diary By Linn Bogren, Engineering Physics student at KTH, and Engineers Without Borders Sweden

Namaste! This is the first entry in my travel diary where I will describe my two months stay in Nepal where I will conduct my bachelors thesis together with Build Up Nepal (BUN), focusing on developing eco-friendly building blocks. I'll be working alongside Ashish Maharjan, responsible for R&D at BUN, specifically analyzing the impact of cement content, water percentage, and bulk density on the strength of the bricks.

 Kathmandu, Nepal, February 19, 2024.

Today, my second day in Nepal, we went on a field study trip to one of the production sites. Ashish picked me up at my house at 8.00 and then we went to the BUN office to get tools and meet up with Raine Isaksson, who is also visiting BUN through EWB-SWE.

We went in a local taxicab and when we left the city it was clear that it was going to be a ride like I never had experienced before. Forget paved roads, we bounced along mostly sand and gravel, feeling like passengers in a giant washing machine.

The short asphalt sections didn't provide much relief because our driver sped up even on narrow, winding roads with mountains on one side and steep drops on the other. There were many places where the road was being rebuilt and most of the time we were able to go around the trucks and excavators but at one location we had to stop and wait for the road to be reconstructed. Despite being only 30 km away, the travel time was more than two hours.

Around 10:30 AM, we stopped at a local restaurant for a traditional set of dal bhat tarkari, a rice dish with lentil sauce and various vegetables. Of course, we enjoyed it the authentic way using our hands to eat it. A friendly dog at the restaurant was eager to be petted and added a warm touch to the experience.

Nearing our destination, we realized we'd overshot the meeting point with the production site owner. He, in true Nepali spirit, hitched a ride on a motorcycle to catch up.

Finally, at noon, we arrived at the site. Located in a small valley surrounded by high mountains, it was simple yet beautiful. We were shown their brick-making process and conducted some initial tests, measuring the bulk density of their mix, stone content in the dust, density of existing bricks, and their strength using a mini-compression tester. It was helpful to observe their production firsthand, gaining insight into their current performance and understanding their ongoing challenges.

On the return trip, we revisited the restaurant where the friendly dog remained enthusiastic. This time, we had some delicious whole, fried fish. On the ride home I was exhausted from all the new impressions and I think I managed to impress everyone by falling asleep in the bumpy car.

It was an eventful second day in Nepal. Welcome to follow my stay through my travel updates and photos, that will be published on EWB-SWE’s web as we go.

Text and photos by Linn Bogren, Engineering Physics student at KTH, and Engineers Without Borders Sweden

Meet Our Interns: Sakib Muktadir Hossain – “I’ve always seen knowledge as a privilege”

We had the pleasure of chatting with Sakib Muktadir Hossain, a dedicated master's student at Lund University and also one of our talented student interns who has been with EWB-SWE the past few months. Sakib, originally from Bangladesh, shares his experiences, motivations, and insights into his life as a student and intern in Sweden.

Sakib Muktadir Hossain, back home known by his nickname Arnob, is currently pursuing his master's degree in Development Studies at Lund University. The choice to intern at EWB-SWE was not a chance occurrence for Sakib. "I was introduced to EWB-SWE through FUF (Föreningen för Utvecklingsfrågor) but when I got to know more about the organization, it felt like the right place to work at because of the vision it has. EWB-SWE believes in the same principles as I do, so it was a perfect match," Sakib explains.

Sees knowledge as a privilege

Sakib's focus in his work and studies is driven by a sense of responsibility and the belief in the power of knowledge. "I’ve always seen knowledge as a privilege," he shares. This belief is not just theoretical for him; it forms the core of his motivation and actions. "There's someone at another part of the world, whose life might be a little easier because of my work," he remarks.

Enjoys living in Lund

Living in Lund has been an enriching experience for Sakib, marked by an atmosphere of acceptance and a plethora of student activities, including volunteering, which he is passionate about. "Life in Lund is different. There's this atmosphere of acceptance no matter where in the world you're from," he states, appreciating the inclusive and dynamic environment of the city and the campus. Overall, he is enjoying his life in Lund.

Family and friends

Despite finding a welcoming community in Lund, Sakib feels the tug of homesickness, especially during significant cultural events. "I miss my family and friends, especially during special occasions like Ramadan and Eid," he says. However, he has found comfort in the friendships he's made in Lund, which have helped create a sense of belonging in his new environment. He adds with a smile, "Also, I miss the hot weather, but I'm glad that I live in one of the warmest places in Sweden."

Sakib's journey from Bangladesh to Lund, his commitment to development studies, and his work at EWB-SWE is truly inspiring. He is a young professional with a strong dedication to making a difference in the world.

Why MAVUNO Project Became Charles Bahati's Lifelong Commitment

Charles Bahati is deeply committed to narrowing the divide between rural and urban regions. "The disparities were glaringly evident," he recalls. "Rural communities were decades behind in crucial areas like health, education, and economic opportunity."

Bahati's dedication to his initial goals has not wavered over the years. He set out to support farmers in achieving food security, empower women, provide children access to education, and improve overall living conditions in these communities. It was evident that his expertise was much-needed to bring about tangible improvements.

Transformative Milestones: A Retrospective

Charles Bahati takes special pride in the life-changing transformations he's helped facilitate. "The improvements in these villages are milestones that I will forever treasure," Bahati shares. Families now meet their basic needs more readily—like nourishing meals, better housing, and education for their children. These improvements have also reversed the urban migration trend; people are now returning to their villages, finding them to be better places to live than before.

Bahati highlights one particularly significant accomplishment: the shift in educational opportunities for young girls. Under his leadership, the MAVUNO Project has cultivated a culture that prioritizes education over early marriage, a major stride toward gender equality in these communities.

Celebrating 50: A Special Birthday with a Purpose

Birthdays have always been momentous for Bahati, but this year, his celebration takes on a deeper meaning. "I've told my friends, neighbors, and co-workers that this year is different. I'm planning a special dinner and fundraising event," he informs us. The funds raised will go toward establishing a technical center aimed at combating youth unemployment, which Bahati describes as a "shared rural challenge" that impacts community well-being at large.

Building on a Legacy

As Charles Bahati reaches this significant milestone, his decades-long dedication to the MAVUNO Project stands as a powerful example of compassionate and intelligent leadership. Here at EWB-SWE, we're honored to collaborate with such a dedicated partner, and we eagerly look forward to the impactful work that will undoubtedly continue in the years to come.

Happy Birthday Charles!

We at EWB-SWE are gathering forces to support Charles Bahati’s mission The Mavuno Project. We invite you to join us in supporting Mavuno through our fundraising initiative:

From Nepal to Sweden: An Academic Path with a Purpose

Upasana's academic journey is deeply intertwined with her commitment to development work. "I'm passionate about creating a positive impact, and I see this internship as a vital way to apply my academic insights into real-world solutions," she states. Upasana's choice to study at Lund University was strategic, motivated by the school's multidisciplinary approach that has expanded her understanding of development planning processes.

A Rich Career in Development Back in Nepal

Prior to her current academic pursuit, Upasana had already spent nearly a decade immersed in development initiatives in Nepal. Her work encompassed mental health, disability-inclusive programs, and public health initiatives, particularly in remote communities. This rich tapestry of experiences has sharpened her insights into both the challenges and opportunities in the development sector. "These formative years reaffirmed my desire to acquire more specialized knowledge, to create more effective and sustainable change," she explains.

The Allure of Lund: A Haven for Sustainable Innovation

Upasana's adaptation to life in Lund has been a multi-faceted experience that goes beyond academia. For her, the city is not just an educational hub but a "captivating tapestry of history, academic brilliance, and exceptional quality of life." Lund's commitment to sustainability particularly resonates with her, and the city's vibrant student community provides a sense of belonging and a rich cultural exchange. Upasana finds herself particularly drawn to Lund's green spaces, which offer a balanced blend of urban and natural experiences.

Navigating Homesickness with Community Engagement

Though Upasana deeply values her time in Lund, she acknowledges the emotional toll of living far from home. She misses special moments like the 'Dashain' festival, a significant Hindu celebration of unity and togetherness. "However, serving as the Cultural Secretary for the South Asian Association here has been a great consolation," she shares. The association has not only helped her to celebrate her own culture but also introduce its diversity to the broader student community, making her far-from-home experience a fulfilling one.

A Bright Future Ahead

Upasana Regmi's passionate commitment to sustainable development and her journey from Nepal to Lund University exemplifies the caliber of interns we are privileged to work with at EWB-SWE. We look forward to seeing the incredible contributions she will undoubtedly make in the realm of sustainable and impactful community development.

Having moved to Gothenburg just last month, Willem is relatively new to the city, but he already feels at home. "I love living here; Gothenburg has a lot to offer and many green areas," he says. In his leisure time, Willem is a passionate cellist, proving that his interests are as varied as they are deep.

Before moving to Sweden, Willem was active in Humasol.be, an organisation similar to EWB, in Belgium. "When I came to Sweden, I looked for a similar way to engage and found EWB-SWE," he says. He particularly appreciates the provided webinars and handbooks, describing them as "useful resources."

Willem has hit the ground running and is already involved in three projects: the new laboratory for Mkula Hospital, a new compound for Asulma Center, and a WASH project with Vulnerable Aid Organization (VAO), where he is working closely with newly recruited project teams. "It's been a hectic but rewarding experience," he admits.

One aspect he finds most rewarding is the opportunity to engage with partner organisations. "It's incredibly interesting to hear the stories and initiatives from our partners, like the Vulnerable Aid Organization (VAO)," he adds.

Besides his duties as a coordinator, he has been actively involved in the local Chalmers group's recent recruitment drive. "We have two new coordinators and five new team members, which is fantastic," he says.

Willem believes that his time at EWB-SWE will provide invaluable experiences for the future. "It's particularly enriching for me to compare operations with other organisations I've been involved with," he notes. Looking ahead, he's also keen to explore more of Sweden—specifically, he has his eyes set on a trip to the north, to Kiruna, and would love to go hiking.

From EWB-SWE Newsletter September 2023. Photos from Willem’s earlier work with Humasol.

We’ve spent a month in Tabora doing fieldwork through MFS for our master's thesis within engineering in environmental and energy systems at The Faculty of Engineering at Lund University. Our goal is to help the Tumaini Open School for pregnant and mothering students to find a sustainable and reliable energy solution. So far, we’ve calculated the school’s total energy demand and identified the prioritized energy services. We’ve also visited similar installations around Tabora to understand the local conditions for PV systems.

Now, we are in the process of optimizing alternative solar energy systems as well as evaluating the costs. We’re also looking into the possibility of having a biogas plant for cooking. We are staying a few more weeks during which we will also visit local biogas plants and we hope to finish all the calculations before we go back home. All Tumaini students we have met have stressed the great importance of having access to electricity at the school. With better lighting they can study more hours, and devices like computers and projectors in classrooms improve the quality of teaching.

The Tanzanian culture is warm and welcoming, and our experience has been amazing. It has opened our eyes to the similarities and differences between our countries regarding energy supply, young people’s education and life in general. We’ve had many interesting discussions and been very well taken care of by our hosts from the school.

We chose to dedicate our thesis to this project because we really wanted to make a difference. By sharing our knowledge, we can truly help these mothers to regain their education and provide for their children. We only see advantages in exchanging ideas and culture between us and those w and we hope our work will contribute be of help to everyone involved.

Kwaheri!

From EWB-SWE Newsletter May 2023

Two of the Masters students, Elin and Felicia, are concluding their visit in Tanzania and wanted to share their experiences:

"We spent two months in Tabora, Tanzania, working with EWB-SWE on our master's thesis in civil engineering. It's been an enriching experience—Tabora quickly felt like a second home and the team at the Tumaini organization became like family. We've been researching sustainable building solutions for the Tumaini Open School, including alternative roofing options and earth block technology. This opportunity gave us valuable insights into Tanzanian construction methods, as well as the chance to immerate ourselves in a different culture and make some meaningful connections. We were also privileged to meet inspiring and friendly Tanzanian people."

From EWB-SWE Newsletter April 2023