IA3M Project: Microcredit - A major example

quinta-feira, 31 de janeiro de 2008

Microcredit - A major example

Financial support in the set up of a water pump factory is a hopeful example that causes a great impact in the developing countries.
In water shortage zones (in poor countries, unfortunately, this has been a growing problem) water pumps gain an important role allowing the exploitation of subterranean water.

New designs and concepts make possible the construction of some devices that can be named as appropriated technology, since they bring together some characteristics that make them applicable in countries with few resources. They are mechanisms of high durability, easy use, and have low production and maintenance costs and are easy to reproduce. So, people can make the pumps themselves, creating a positive impact in the local economy.
With a low loan, a craftsman can set up a little manufacture (possibly employing other people) where he will produce and repair the water pumps which will be used by the surrounding population, assuring his own income source and thus improving the daily life of the communities as well.

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DUARTE G

Today, we hear on television and read in newspapers and magazines, talking about the humanization and solidarity to countries in the 3 rd world. There is community aid from part of governments of industrialized countries. So these problems must not be only of governments but of all of us in general, the young people, because the future to all concerns and each of us must develop the potential that exists in each of the parts of the planet Earth. Then, we thought about applied innovations in 3 rd world’s countries because in these places, the resources are limited, and every day saw images of misery, degradation and even death. So I would like to, at least, think and try to bring into practice something that can help others, using a prototype that we intend to build.

DUARTE N

This project, in addition to allowing me to develop capabilities, allows me to be more active in the world in which we live, taking position and helping the neediest villages. Since my area is science and technology, this project will enable me to develop skills and abilities in subjects such as physics and mathematics, as well as strengthen and encourage mutual and group work. I hope we can achieve all our projects now that would be more valuable to people in developing countries. Not that we think that we will change the world, but we can consider this as only an aid in relation to one of the many problems that these people face.

LUIS

As one of my biggest factors of enthusiasm and concern (mainly at the level of new forms of energy production), soon I demonstrated interest in a topic related to renewable energies.
With the group made, in which all the elements had (and have) interest in a theme of renewable energies and innovations, it was necessary to "find" an issue / theme that would allow an objective work, since this Thematic can be quite broad. Thus, in accordance with the various discussions and presentations of ideas, it was devided the theme of our project: "Innovations Applied to the Third World."
The project covers various topics of my interest, and in my personal point of view, society in general. The "simple" idea of being able to help the most needy offers me a will and an enthusiasm to the development of the project. And since this project, in addition to the opportunity to work on issues that arouse interest me, allows me to acquire new scientific knowledge and culture (which would otherwise not be acquired) will bevery rewarding work with the group.
The development of a water filter, which can be produced at low cost, it offers a type of work that is not available in the area of science and technology. Having said this few words, I'll take this opportunity to express my optimism with the group.

VASCO

I must confess that Project Area has always caused on me a lot of doubts, about the class model, the evaluation method and mostly about its importance to our life. My doubts didn’t go away but, until now, it has been a positive experience because it has helped me to be in touch with interesting knowledge and realities. So, it’s an open space where I can explore the world, explore myself and also improve some skills which will enrich me as an individual.
I still don’t know what degree I will take but working in this project has increased my interest on innovation, environment, technology, physics and developing countries, topics I would like to work since they are all related with each other, as we have seen.
So, I’m enthusiastic and optimist with this project and with the amazing innovations that keep being created every day, because I know that more and more people is worried about the underdevelopment countries issues, trying to find solutions, in a creative, environmental friendly and economic profitable or at least sustainable way (imperative factor).

IA3M Project