“In the age when man has forgotten his origins and is blind to even his most essential needs for survival, water along with other resources has become the victim of his indifference.” – Rachel Carson Applications now available for WATER 2009 The mission of the WATER program is to provide a service based learning experience to introduce University students and Songhai Center staff and interns to strategies for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. We believe education is the foundation of improving access to water and reducing poverty and early mortality in children. As part of this study abroad experience, students work with interns and staff at the Songhai Center in Porto-Novo, Benin to provide technology and knowledge transfer in the areas of: First-Aid Training Health Assessments Language Training Micro-financing Water Monitoring and Treatment “We believe that a knowledge of traditions and cultures different from our own draws us closer to the human family of which we are a part and makes us more aware of both the possibilities and limitations of our own heritage... We seek to provide for our students some understanding of contemporary civilization; and we invite them to reflect with us on the problems and possibilities of a scientific age, the ideological differences that separate the peoples of the world, and the rights and responsibilities that come from commitment to a free society.” - from the Gonzaga University Mission Statement Welcome_files/BeninSUM09ApplicationPacket.pdfshapeimage_3_link_0

Water for Africa: Technology, Education & Reciprocity


A partnership between James Madison University, Gonzaga University and the Songhai Center.


This international study abroad program focused on sustainable development is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in all majors.