Name: Amanda James

Volunteer Position: WASH Specialist and Engineer
Service Period: January – June 2025

Amanda James served as a WASH Specialist and Engineer with Hands of Mercy International, contributing to the design and implementation of sustainable water and sanitation solutions in underserved communities in Mutomo, Kenya.

With a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, and professional experience in hydrogeology and climate analysis, Amanda brought strong technical expertise to support the organisation’s mission of improving access to safe water and promoting community health.

During her placement, she played a key role in:

• Supporting the design and engineering planning of WASH infrastructure, including water distribution systems tailored to local needs 
• Delivering community-based training sessions on hygiene, sanitation, safe water treatment, and nutrition 
• Promoting community-informed and participatory approaches to ensure sustainability and local ownership of WASH interventions 

Amanda’s previous experience in Thailand, where she led WASH-related educational initiatives, enriched her work in Kenya by integrating global best practices with local context.

Her contribution strengthened Hands of Mercy International’s efforts to advance water security, public health, and community resilience, particularly among vulnerable populations.