AMANDA WHELAN
portfolio
Kurland Village, South Africa; Mzuzu and Blantyre, Malawi
Ever since I was a child, I have enjoyed helping people. It is something that comes naturally to me. Making a difference in this world through helping people by means of design, sharing of knowledge, skills and education is everything I want to do.
Willing Workers in South Africa, WWISA
My first voluntary venture was to South Africa, where I researched different organisations to ensure their efforts were worthwhile. Working in cooperation with Christian volunteers from Europe, I acted as head teacher of five students of varying ages and learning capabilities. Having come from different and tough school and family backgrounds, cultural and personal sensitivities were required. With little hope in gaining employment or having any success in the future the students had little interest in learning, making it a difficult task. I focussed on their skills and encouraged fun activities to keep their attention and enjoyed seeing them flourish as students.
Wells for Zoe, Mzuzu, Malawi
After leaving teaching to return to the design world, my interest in helping people and wanting to make a difference naturally lead me to design for developing countries. After visiting Norway, to seek advice from Design Without Borders it was recommended that I gain experience in the field.
And so I went to Malawi with Wells For Zoe, a small Irish NGO. During my time I assisted the director with research and development of village built, twin stove cookers. I also taught Mathematics in a local school, assisted teachers at the school and helped in tutoring some local children in their Maths and English lessons and exam preparation. It was a rewarding introduction to Malawi.
Sakaramenta, Blantyre, Malawi
Through research for Wells for Zoe on bicycle ambulances, I discovered Sakaramenta, a social enterprise in the south of Malawi. Originally set up by a Dutch man, Peter Meijer, I soon learned what an impressive business he had developed and felt I could help. After a trial I was offered a long term contract. My time with Sakaramenta has been a huge learning and testing experience. Dealing with such a different way of life and business, adjusting to cultural norms within business, the workplace and socially, and living in such a different environment has been a challenging learning experience. It has been invaluable to understanding what is needed within design for developing countries, and the obstacles that are commonly faced.