Our Team
Nick Owen
Project Manager
I am a 4th year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Wollongong. Going into my final year of study, I wanted a chance to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my degree. When the opportunity arose to take part in a humanitarian project in Rwanda I jumped at the idea. I feel so privileged to have grown up in Australia and still struggle to comprehend that 35% of the world live in abject poverty. My goal is to use my engineering knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives and develop a deeper understanding of the current issues that exist within our broader world.
I am currently acting as the logistics manager for the proposed project in Rwanda, Africa. My background is Mechanical Engineering and as a fourth-year undergraduate I am extremely privileged to be in a position to apply all the skills I have developed throughout my education towards such an important and beneficial project.
After growing up on a small property by the edge of Canberra, I was extremely privileged to have been given the opportunity to travel and study overseas, and experience life and education in other countries.
Through my experiences I have always been appreciative of our place as the ‘Lucky Country’ and long has it been my passion to leave a positive impact on the world around me. This project has the ability to significantly improve the quality of life for other young students seeking an education, and I will work diligently to the best of my ability to ensure its success. From our entire team, we look forward to all interest in the project and any questions you may have!
Kian Ballard-Manning
Logistics Manager
Gorgia Banach
Safety and Marketing Manager
I am a third-year student studying a Bachelor of International Studies and a Bachelor of Communication and Media, majoring in Global Sustainable Development, and Marketing Communication and Advertising.
Last year I was given the opportunity within my degree to study Humanitarian Studies which was one of the best decisions I have ever made. It opened my eyes to the wonders of Humanitarian aid and allowed me to work within a team environment.
One of my greatest passions in life is working towards a sustainable future, whereby on a global scale everyone has equal rights, equal opportunity, and access to basic needs.
I feel so beyond privileged and am extremely excited to be able to put my passion into practice and work with the Rwandan people in creating and building a project which will ultimately enhance both the school children’s and community's quality of life.
Studying a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce, I have a strong interest in project management and the design of construction projects both in Australia and abroad. The opportunity to go to Rwanda and experience a country that has been so severely affected by such a humanitarian genocide is invaluable to my personal development. I have been fascinated by the spirit of the Rwandan people in the face of such adversity through the stories of Mama Lambert, Denise Mwenedata and General Romeo Dallaire. The chance to go to Rwanda and contribute to the implementation of a water system in Northern Kigali will allow school students to no longer focus on collecting water for their greater families and will instead allow them the time to simply be kids and get an education which is a common luxury for us Australians.
Will Siegert
Design Manager
Tom Maude
Finance Manager
I’m a third year Civil Engineering and Finance student, proud and honoured to be given the opportunity to apply my skillset and passion to something deeply meaningful and way beyond my own benefit. I’m an active person, lover of sport, and keen learner who never backs down from a challenge. This challenge will take me 12,700km over to the Fruits of Hope project in Kigali, where we will undertake construction works on the establishment of a new water tank, and a possible sporting field for the children. This is set to dramatically increase the quality of life for the community of Kigali, and I am extremely excited to get stuck in and get my hands dirty. Along with the help of sponsors and the University of Wollongong, we intend to complete our works in the space of three weeks. The team and I are excited to be in this space and for you to follow us on our journey!
