3 min read
What started as an auction of vintage Barco radios and televisions turned into an opportunity to help communities around the world. Participants bid on pieces of Barco's history, joined Experience Center tours, and contributed through catering initiatives.
Together, they raised funds that Barco matched, bringing the total donation to €10,000 for Engineers Without Borders Belgium.
What made this initiative so special was the enthusiasm of our colleagues. People came together around a shared passion for Barco's heritage, and in doing so created something that ultimately helped make a positive difference far beyond our organization.
Engineers Without Borders Belgium was a natural fit as the beneficiary of the initiative. The organization mobilizes volunteer engineers to improve living conditions for vulnerable communities across the Global South. They’ve spent more than three decades developing sustainable projects in water, waste, and energy, always working alongside local communities to create lasting change.
A sustainable water and sanitation project for a girls’ school in Togo
Barco and Engineers Without Borders share a common belief: engineering creates the greatest value when it serves people. While the two organizations operate in different environments, both are committed to using technology and expertise to make a positive difference.
For Engineers Without Borders, engineering is about more than technology.
The organization works with trusted local partners, listening to their needs, co-creating solutions with local communities, providing onsite and remote technical support, building local capacity, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Many of their volunteers have profiles similar to those of Barco engineers. They’re experienced professionals who want to use their skills beyond their day job to create a positive impact.
During a presentation at Barco's headquarters in Kortrijk, representatives from Engineers Without Borders introduced employees to projects that are making a tangible difference. Examples included a solar-powered irrigation project supporting women farmers in Senegal, a biodigester for a school in Burundi, and the electrification of a healthcare center in the Democratic Republic of Congo through solar energy. These initiatives help improve access to water, healthcare, food production, and economic opportunities for local communities.
Project supporting women farmers and improving nutrition in Senegal
For Barco employees, the initiative was a reminder that engineering expertise can have an impact far beyond the workplace. By supporting organizations such as Engineers Without Borders, Barco creates opportunities for people and communities while turning employee engagement into meaningful social impact.
Engineers Without Borders' mission is to put engineering expertise at the service of better living conditions for vulnerable communities. With 35 to 40 active volunteers and five to ten projects each year, the organization develops sustainable solutions in three key areas: water, waste, and energy. Its projects focus on creating long-term social impact through local partnerships, capacity building, and responsible engineering. Beyond its international work, the organization also promotes human-centered engineering through conferences, university outreach activities, and awards that inspire the next generation of engineers.
