Deseret News | BYU students put 'termite technology' to good use in Africa

Reader comments
BYU students put 'termite technology' to good use in Africa

David Wakefield | 1:34 a.m. July 13, 2009

I love stories like this. This shows what a great academic environment BYU has. If all of us took what we learned and applied it to better humanity instead of worrying about our own success and prestige, this world would have far less problems. Way to go BYU students!

Inspiring | 1:59 a.m. July 13, 2009

I applaud the dedication of these engineering students.

Care For Life (CareForLife.org) has an amazing history.

Impressive | 9:18 a.m. July 13, 2009

Brilliant!

Comments continue below

Smart thinking | 2:52 p.m. July 13, 2009

That was very clever to look for examples in nature for how to build.

I do wonder how the stuff from a used latrine can be rendered sanitary enough to use in fertilizing fields.

But thanks to these engineering students, the villages have more sanitary facilities. Bravo to them and the Care for Life organization.

Ernest T. Bass | 4:18 p.m. July 13, 2009

That's brillant! It took BYU students to realize that one can make bricks with clay?

Very pleased | 5:36 p.m. July 13, 2009

I spent time as a volunteer for the Care For Life organization in Mozambique. It was the most incredible experience of my life. You couldn't ask for a group that cares and does more for the African people than does Care For Life. I applaude the organization, and the hard working students at BYU who are truly saving lives.

Great Job! | 6:02 p.m. July 13, 2009

Blessing are in store. Many converts will follow by this shining example of the Church.

JJ | 6:10 p.m. July 14, 2009

I too am in awe of the things the engineering students at BYU have done. Just a request: Any way you can fix the traffic problem for Stadium of Fire (and, I assume every other function that Provo holds)? I met some fine folks in the HOURS before and after the function as we attempted to leave your fair city.

RE Ernest T Bass | 2:06 p.m. July 17, 2009

The genius of this project was not that bricks could be made from clay, rather where to get clay from a sandy soil. Ya gotta be impressed with all the unique, people building projects of BYU engineering students.

Not a new concept: Louise | 5:45 p.m. July 19, 2009

Recently we visited a village in Zambia which is near Mozambique. Using termite mound clay is NOT new! This is what the villagers used. Their homes last over 15 years, compared to 2 years using sand. Their homes were remarkable. Hats off to the BYU students for helping others. However, the concept is not a new one for people of that region.

IS a new concept | 5:21 a.m. July 21, 2009

Louise
Actually, the villages in mozambique are far more isolated than you might think. No one owns a telephone. There is no internet. No trains or cars. Most villagers live their entire lives in the small villages they were born. Technological improvements do not travel like they do in an industrialized country.

Parker | 2:16 p.m. July 28, 2009

I lived in Mozambique for 2 years, in the Beira area for 1 ;) I wonder in which villages these latrines were constructed?

Very Pleased | 4:37 p.m. July 30, 2009

Parker-
I am not sure, but I think that this is the village of Mbatwe. -I think they are applying the idea to several villages including Nhamatanda, Mbatwe, and Dondo. Care For Life is based in the Manga District in Bierra and works with quite a few villages

Aaron | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 17, 2009

Very interesting article and a great use of resources. I know that the people of Beira have used termite mound materials for quite some time to build homes, but firing bricks out of the material for greater duribility and application are definately new for the area.

Only question I have is the sustainability of this resource. Don't termite mounds take decades to for the little critters to build?

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