Making a real difference and empowering others to do the same

by
Peter Mayadunne, Deakin University
on
November 2, 2022

Amenthi Jasinghe, was working as a successful marketer of corporate brands, and while enjoying that role she realised, she ought to use her passion and strengths differently. The winner of the Deakin University’sAlumni of the Year award, 2020, these days, her passions lie elsewhere.Dedicating her talents and skills in making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate as an aid worker, while empowering others to do the same via mentoring and coaching.

Amenthi was working for an organisation as a communications specialist helping them to enhance their brands. Along the way, it dawned on her that she could use her talents and strengths to make a real difference in the lives of others that have been impacted by disasters, conflict, wars, famine etc.

The devastating Asian Tsunami in 2004, was the impetus Amenthi needed to change direction and get behind restoration efforts. Her aid work began in disability and inclusion with Motivation Charitable Trust and Humanity and Inclusion where she negotiated the funding for Sri Lanka’s first pediatric orthopedic ward at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital in Colombo.  

From the tsunami response, Amenthi moved into emergency conflict response with World Vision. During her time at World Vision, she embarked on Deakin’s Humanitarian Leadership Program in 2011.

Deakin’s Humanitarian Leadership course is a ground-breaking program designed by practitioners, academics, and leadership experts, and is delivered in partnership with Save the Children and Deakin University. Amenthi credits her studies for providing her with a life-changing experience and enabling her to see her colleagues and team in a different light. Enabling her to empower colleagues to utilise their strengths in meeting goals and aspirations.

Amenthi and her ‘Humanitarian Leadership Program’ class of 2011, spent the first phase of a blended program in Warrnambool, Victoria,Australia.  She had the following to say about her course and her experience in Australia.

“The immersive experience at Warrnambool brought together strangers from different parts of the world and provided a platform for us to learn off and from each other. It was enriching, given that as aid workers we often become insular to our own ways of work. This experience changed all that.”

“I remember thinking as the plane landed in Melbourne that I would truly miss Australia when I leave. A part of me felt very much at home and the other part of me felt extremely well taken care of. Whilst studying at Warrnambool, I had a glimpse of Australian life - and found it to be a lot like home; friendly, warm and hospitable with an unending love for cricket!”

“The Humanitarian Leadership Course was pivotal in the way I worked as a humanitarian leader. In aid delivery, we often take and give commands. The course brought into the realisation that as aid workers we have to take time to unpack the chaos and listen to each other, find learning and reflection wherever you can and be consultative, especially with stakeholders”

Since her graduation, Amenthi has worked tirelessly on humanitarian projects in Sri Lanka and abroad in countries such as Nepal,Indonesia, South Sudan, Lebanon, Mozambique, etc. Her employers have included leading aid agencies such as World Vision, Lebara Foundation, PlanInternational in Sri Lanka, and Motivation Charitable Trust, and Humanity andInclusion.

Amenthi currently works as a Partnerships Development Manager, for UNOPS in Sri Lanka.

Amenthi considers herself a humanitarian at heart and in mind.Above all, she seems to be inspired by every aid worker that is working to make a difference. If there was ever a story that reflects an individual’s drive to make the world a better place, by utilising the learnings from different nations, and appreciating the nuances within cultures, then Amenthi’s story is it.  

Deakin University is proud to call Amenthi one of our Alumni.