Volunteers

A selection of our current interns and long-term volunteers. They are college students, unemployed skilled workers and recent graduates using their knowledge in Camara to obtain further work experience. The field of expertise of each volunteer varies widely.

Ita Durnin

Ita began her connection with Africa when she taught in Nigeria as a nun for 30 years. She taught subjects such as physics, chemistry and maths. After retirement and returning to Ireland Ita continued her connection with Africa by finding Camara on volunteering Ireland’s website. She has witnessed big changes in Camara since she began volunteering in early 2007, with the change of premises from the Castleforbes Road to the Digital Hub and also the expansion of the volunteer programme. Ita is a multi tasker in the workshop, doing everything from cleaning mice and keyboards, to replacing laptop screens to refurbishing PCs with our educational software.

Ian Averill

Ian has been a volunteer since November 2008. He previously worked for Irish Rail until retirement in 2006. From there he went on to pursue a BA in Oversees Development at Kimmage Development Centre. This in turn led to an interest in Camara. Having completed a three week placement at Camara in 2009 as part of a FÁS course in computer maintenance and networking, Ian continued volunteering in a more senior supervisory role, assisting Jim, our workshop manager.

John Phelan

John started volunteering in January of 2009 as the receptionist. It was only supposed to be for two weeks, however he stayed on to join our volunteer team. Previously he worked at The Emmet House giving career guidance.

Robert Smyth

Robert is a third year student studying IT Management in IT Tallaght. He is a big Bohs fan and can often be seen down in Dalymount Park taking in a game at the home of Irish Football.

Eimear Rouine

Eimear is responsible for Camara’s new gender project. This includes writing a gender equality module to be taught in Camara schools, putting together a report on the situation of women in the countries Camara works in and raging about the oppression of women in Sub-Saharan Africa! Oh, and of course, being assistant gardener. Contact her at eimear@camara.ie