Apply Now for a Master Thesis Project with Engineers Without Borders Sweden: Supporting the Tumaini Open School in Tanzania
/Are you ready to make a real-world impact while completing your Master’s thesis? Engineers Without Borders Sweden (EWB-SWE) is inviting motivated students to contribute to the Tumaini Open School project in Tanzania through two unique thesis opportunities; one focusing on flood prevention and topographic study, and the other focusing on drinking water supply and grey water management.
This project supports young mothers who have been excluded from formal education by providing an inclusive, stigma-free learning environment. EWB-SWE and the Tumaini Education Initiative are working to expand this initiative, making education and vocational training accessible to young mothers in the rural region of Tabora.
Project background
For over six decades, Tanzanian policies excluded adolescent mothers from the public education system, resulting in tens of thousands of dropouts annually. Though these restrictive policies have been lifted, many young mothers remain disconnected from education due to stigmatisation and lack of resources. The Tumaini Open School aims to bridge this gap by offering education from grades I-IV and vocational training to support 450 adolescent mothers and their children upon project completion. Located in Isukamahela village, this facility will provide housing, child care, healthcare, and a range of vocational training classes tailored to the needs of the Tanzanian job market.
Master Thesis Opportunities
1. Flood Prevention and Topographic Study
This project focuses on flood prevention to safeguard the Tumaini Open School’s site. Heavy seasonal rains pose a significant risk to the self-sufficiency of the school’s agricultural activities. This thesis will involve:
Conducting a flood risk analysis and identifying flood-prone areas on the site
Designing strategies for water collection and usage to support agricultural and sanitation needs
Analysing data and proposing technical solutions for effective water management
Duration: 30 hp
Fieldwork: Three months in Tanzania early in the year
2. Drinking Water Supply and Grey Water Management
Ensuring a sustainable water supply and effective grey water management is essential for the Tumaini Open School. This thesis project will focus on:
Evaluating the capacity of the existing borehole water supply and exploring alternatives, such as artificial groundwater recharge
Developing solutions for grey water management to reduce environmental impact and improve sanitation
Integrating these water management solutions with the school’s self-sufficiency objectives
Duration: 30 hp
Fieldwork: Three months in Tanzania early in the year
Why Apply?
This is a unique chance to:
Gain hands-on experience in sustainable development within a multidisciplinary team
Address real-world engineering challenges and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young mothers and their children
Develop skills in project planning, fieldwork, and technical problem-solving with support from experts at EWB-SWE and the Tumaini Education Initiative
How to Apply
Interested students are encouraged to apply by reaching out via thesisadvertisements@chalmers.se. Please include:
Your course and area of study
A brief statement on your interest in this project and how your background aligns with the goals of the Tumaini Open School
Join us in building a brighter, more inclusive future for Tanzania’s adolescent mothers. Apply now and let your thesis make a difference!
