As an engineer with growing expertise in public health, Jacob Ford brings a unique, holistic approach to his volunteer work with WEFTA. The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Engineer is currently a PhD student in Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease at Tulane University in New Orleans. It’s a winning combination for the work he’s passionate about.
WEFTA coordinates with the Peace Corps
Jacob first encountered WEFTA in 2018 when the organization funded a Peace Corps water aqueduct project he was leading in the community of Cerro Ortiga in Comarca Ngäbe-Bugle, Panama. Inspired by the dedication of the WEFTA volunteers and the positive change they brought to his community, he eagerly volunteered to assist with a WEFTA project in Bajo Algodón that had been halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He notes that WEFTA’s ongoing commitment and support have been instrumental in overcoming delays. This dedication, he says, has gone a long way toward solidifying the bonds among WEFTA, the project beneficiaries, and himself.
WEFTA making a “profound difference” in Cerro Ortiga
Jacob believes that by collaborating with WEFTA, he can make a tangible difference in the lives of others. He recalls the moment when the community of Cerro Ortiga gathered to await the life-changing flow of clean water following the completion of the aqueduct project: “It was a transformative moment, symbolizing years of hard work, collaboration, and dedication. As the water gushed out, filling buckets and containers, the joy and gratitude on the faces of the community members were indescribable. It reinforced the significance of our work and the profound difference that access to clean water can make in improving the health and well-being of communities.”
As a WEFTA volunteer, Jacob contributes to WEFTA’s mission by actively participating in project planning, designing, and implementation. He keeps a strong focus on community engagement, sustainability, and long-term impacts. Jacob values the trust and rapport that WEFTA has worked to establish within the communities it serves.
In the coming years Jacob hopes to continue his role with WEFTA both in Panama and globally. He finds immense fulfillment in directly engaging with communities, working on the ground, and implementing sustainable water and sanitation solutions. This includes collaborating with other WEFTA volunteers and partners. He believes that by sharing insights and best practices the volunteers and partners will further strengthen their collective impact in addressing critical global water and sanitation challenges.
