Bringing Communities into the Classroom: The BambaSonke Design Challenge

In this episode, we explore the BambaSonke Design Challenge, a collaborative initiative developed with Engineers Without Borders South Africa that brings real community challenges into engineering classrooms. Joined by Robyn Clark, Nicky Wolmarans, Bronwyn Swartz, and Disa Mogashana, we hear how the challenge has been adapted across three South African universities to develop students’ technical knowledge, professional competencies, and understanding of engineering’s social responsibility. From ethical community engagement and authentic problem-solving to the practical challenges of implementing large-scale learning experiences, the conversation explores how collaboration between institutions can help prepare engineers to design with people and communities in mind. Links: • BambaSonke Design Challenge (  / ewbsa_communitydriven-engineeringimpact-ba...  ) • Research paper: Decolonising Engineering Education through Locally Relevant Problem-Based Learning (https://doi.org/10.1109/WEEF-GEDC6674...) • Engineers Without Borders South Africa: Engineering for People Design Challenge (https://ewbsa.org/our-work/engineerin...)