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Back to SearchDeveloping a way of making emptying pit latrines in developing countries like Kenya safer and more dignified earned two University of Sydney engineering students Vanathy Arudselvan and Yeeun Cho paid internships at GHD.
The duo received the GHD Humanitarian Internship Prize presented at the Humanitarian Innovation (Digital) Hackathon hosted by engineering think-tank the Warren Centre. The weekend-long virtual event brought together university students to work collaboratively in cross-discipline teams to create technology-driven solutions for the most pressing humanitarian challenges.
During their internships, the students will gain experience in their preferred area within GHD, including Indigenous Services, Water, International Development Assistance and GHD Advisory.
Vanathy’s and Yeeun’s winning entry was the ‘Sterculius’, a device that uses cheap and widely available materials like rods and PVC pipes to dislodge the latrine sludge while minimising human exposure.
“While the world’s attention is focused on Covid-19, Vanathy and Yeeun’s solution reminds us that many people around the world still suffer serious yet easily preventable diseases linked to inadequate sanitation,” says Richard Fechner, Global Leader – GHD Advisory and a Governor of the Warren Centre.
“It’s really exciting to see university students develop cutting-edge solutions that could save lives globally and this is aligned with GHD’s purpose of creating lasting community benefit.”
Vanathy says, “Engineers play an invaluable role in sustainable development, a key to addressing issues faced by the millions of people worldwide impacted by poverty, conflict and the effects of climate change. My ambition is to forge a career in international development that will allow me to do my part in working towards the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and beyond.”
Yeeun says, “I endeavour to use my skills to make a positive impact on my society through innovative projects, and this is the beginning of my journey.”