Afeka Student Delegation to Ghana

Afeka Student Delegation Creates Lasting Social Impact in Ghana

As part of Afeka’s commitment to shaping socially aware engineers and fostering meaningful global engagement, a student delegation from the college’s Engineers Without Borders club took part in a two-week field program in Winneba, Ghana. The initiative reflects Afeka’s belief that engineering is not merely a profession, but a vehicle for improving lives and strengthening communities.

Working in collaboration with the local CBR organization, the delegation developed and implemented specially adapted feeding chairs for children with disabilities. Designed using locally available materials and built together with community members, the project aimed to enhance the children’s quality of life while empowering their families to remain independent.

This hands-on, human-centered approach embodies Afeka’s emphasis on applied engineering, sustainable solutions, and co-creation with the communities we serve.

Beyond the technical accomplishment, the experience offered students an invaluable opportunity to develop interpersonal skills, cultural awareness, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving — core competencies for engineers in a globalized world. The deep bonds formed with the local community became an integral part of the delegation’s learning journey.

Orit Zandberg Pe’er, head of Afeka’s student clubs, summed up the essence of the project:
“Our students demonstrated that engineering is far more than technology — it’s a tool for impact. Their work in Ghana blends professional skill, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to leave sustainable knowledge in the community when they depart. This is the heart of Afeka’s Engineers Without Borders activities.”

According to club chairman Roee Segal, “It was an extraordinary, transformative experience. Seeing the mothers use the chairs we created was deeply moving — it showed us the true meaning of engineering with purpose.”

Vice-chairwoman Ella Shimshon added: “From day one, we felt part of something meaningful — a powerful combination of doing, learning, and facing challenges together.”

Michal Leybzon concluded: “The most important outcome is that the community can now build the chairs independently. This long-term capability is the true value we leave behind.”

The delegation is part of Afeka’s broader vision to cultivate engineers who combine technical excellence with social responsibility, global awareness, and the ability to foster real change through applied, hands-on engineering.