https://www.ubc.ewb.ca/copy-of-youth-venture-1
Amount of funding awarded
997.96
Budget Report
View budget report.
How the program has supported you
The project focuses on tackling the health, economic, and environmental challenges posed by open fire stoves in rural Guatemala. Open fire stoves cause respiratory diseases and increase deforestation rates in Guatemala due to the use of firewood. The “eco-stove” is an engineered solution that aims to reduce firewood consumption, contributing to forest conservation efforts, healthier household environment and financial flexibility for families living in poverty. Our objective is to improve the current model based on stakeholder recommendations and community’s needs. Our goal (Jan-Dec) is to begin in-lab testing for the carbon capturing technology, new chimney design and functional add-ons. PAF funding allowed us to purchase the materials required for carbon capturing lab testing. If our work timeline aligned with PAF’s calendar, our team would have been able to purchase all materials required for testing, build the functional add-ons and set new timelines to re-evaluate the chimney design with stakeholders.
Outcomes
The sub-teams worked on initial project research and developing lab proposals to commence lab testing in the fall. The 15 students on the design team got real–world experience by applying the APSC design framework on a real-life project. They developed communications skills through stakeholder engagement with the engineers and community members in Guatemala. Teamwork was essential within the sub-teams while generating alternative solutions to improve the current stove design. As ideas were developed, team members had bi-weekly check-ins with Guatemalan stakeholders. Iterations were done frequently as more information was gathered. At the end of each semester, students did a formal presentation of their progress and findings to the entire team. Various professional skills were gained throughout the year: teamwork, consultation, problem-solving and communication skills are examples of the skills that will benefit team members in their careers.