WOT volunteers drilling a well

The Working Group on Development Techniques (WOT), is a student association at the University of Twente. It is engaged in developing technical applications for developing countries and advice on that subject. The WOT was founded in 1969 with the objectives to transfer technology to developing countries and awareness in the region. The WOT has a demonstration and testing terrain, a workshop, an office and is in possession of a library.

The test site contains a large number of renewable energy applications, and acts as an outdoor demonstration area for a large number of visitors each year, including many from developing countries. The WOT is one of the few organizations in the Netherlands that is actively engaged in developing technological solutions for the poorest. For many ex-members, the WOT has been a stepping stone to a career in developing countries.

Technology occupies a very important place in the life of developing countries. Currently, there are very few resources devoted to improving basic water pumps, filters, well drilling techniques, etc. The WOT offers a helping hand. The WOT also acts as a knowledge center and organises the annual T-week, an introductory engineering course for development workers. The quality of the course is highly regarded and recommended, among others by MSF.