[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 64 (Tuesday, April 22, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        GONZAGA UNIVERSITY SENDS TEAM TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN EXPO

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                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 22, 2008

  Mrs. McMORRIS RODGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
efforts of a team of college students making a difference in Africa. A 
student team from Gonzaga University has been selected to present their 
project, ``West African Technology, Education, and Reciprocity, WATER, 
for Benin,'' at the 4th Annual National Sustainable Design Expo on 
April 20-22, 2008.
  The goal of the WATER for Benin project is to address the clean water 
shortage that many developing nations are currently facing. Through 
their participation, students learn about contemporary health problems 
in Africa and their contributing factors; the relationship between 
water, sanitation, and causes of morbidity and mortality in Africa; and 
communication skills for providing culturally appropriate health 
education.
  In August of 2007, 17 students from eight academic programs, and 
three faculty members, traveled to Benin. At the Songhai Center in 
Porto-Novo, this group trained staff to make inexpensive, effective 
drinking water filters. Through leadership, community building, and 
personal sacrifice, these students created innovative ways to solve the 
water crisis. Their exhibit, on display at the National Sustainable 
Design Expo, chronicles the research and development the students 
implemented in order to find the best technology to provide clean water 
to the people of Benin.
  Madam Speaker, many of us take something as simple as having clean 
water every day for granted. I commend these students for responding to 
the needs of the developing world and helping them to move toward 
sustainability. I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Gonzaga University team on this great accomplishment, and for being 
chosen to compete for the EPA's prestigious P\3\--People, Prosperity, 
and Planet--Award.

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