The following paper presents an analysis of the context of engineering education using a particular methodology called "Ruta de innovacion Social" (social innovatiot route). This methodology is based on a case study where a collective process of active learning is generated, ectending engineering education beyond the classroom. Engineers Without Borders Colombia (ISFCOL) is committed to develop technology with vulnerable and rural communities to improve their lives. For this work, both Italian and Colombian engineering professors and students have collaborated on technical projects with vulnerable communities to find practical technological solutions for water conservation using Arduino co-design. The experience has the potencial to contribute to social change through the participation and co-design as the main pillars of engineering education.