Tanzania Study Abroad January 2023

In Kibaoni, a small tanzanian village close to the Kenyan border, SoPA (social practice architecture) completed a school library built out of rammed earth. The project uses traditional construction methods rather than imported materials and techniques, which are often inefficient with a detrimental effect on the environment. The ‘Amani Library’ can serve as an example to future developments, including the region’s rural housing.

Students will share their study abroad experiences through multi-media presentations designed to build capacity for future student enagement and collaboration.

Project description

During the January study abroad trip, students will explore how physical environments and infrastructure related to environment and society (i.e. housing, food, energy, water and sanitation) affect the quality of life for people within this particular region of the world. Students will also explore how community leaders are using available resources and innovations to empower vulnerable populations while addressing sustainability challenges. 

Students will seek to “add value” via their engagement through an in-country build and a final project to be completed upon their return. The in-country build will be done collaboratively with a community-based partner in Mwanza, CLAO, using a hand-powered brick press and using local material to construct a water tank, with activities to be documented and shared with UB students in Engineering and Architecture toward future collaborative projects and innovation.

As a final assignment, students will create multi-media presentations designed to share their experience and build interest and engagement in future students and collaborators. Students are encouraged to be creative with their projects but must include the following:

  • SDG of focus and why
  • SDG indicator/s of focus and why
  • Specific context related to project (place, ecosystem, etc..)
  • How the SDG and targets affect quality of life and sustainability
  • Introduce community partners and how are they addressing SDG/targets
  • What assets and resources are they leveraging? What do they need to be successful?
  • What opportunities do you see for partnerships and collaboration?
  • How has this experience impacted you and your own goals?
  • Anything else you’d like to share

Project outcome

The specific outcomes of this project will be identified by the faculty mentor at the beginning of your collaboration. 

Projects will be shared with partners and internal and external audiences. They will also be linked to digital badges as clickable evidence to be shared via LinkedIn or digital resumes.

Project details

Timing, eligibility and other details
Length of commitment Winter Session 2023
Start time January 2023
In-person, remote, or hybrid? See course syllabus
Level of collaboration Individual projects
Benefits Course grade and digital badge
Who is eligible
 Enrolled students

Core partners

Featured partners will include:

Community Life Amelioration Organization (CLAO), Mwanza Tanzania

Mogabiri Farm Extension Center (MFEC), Tarime Tanzania

Project mentors

Christopher Romano

Assistant Professor

Department of Architecture

Phone: (716) 829 - 5929

Email: ctromano@buffalo.edu

Dan Nyaronga

Associate Professor

SUNY Empire State College, Psychology

Phone: (716) 645-7871

Email: Dan.nyaronga@esc.edu

Start the project

  1. Ensure you are enrolled in the course for the correct semester.
  2. Click the button to start the digital badge below.
Start the Digital Badge

Preparation activities

The specific preparation activities for this project will be customized through discussions between you and your project mentor. Please be sure to ask them for the instructions to complete the required preparation activities.

Keywords

Architure, ARC 492/592, SDG, Study Abroad