John Telfer

The driving force behind the Watling Ubuntu Foundation is John Telfer, who has recently retired after a life spent working with local authorities, universities, students and businesses, mostly in the field of culture and education. He has experience of not-for-profit organisations and has worked for a major firm of capital fund-raisers, and for a time was a consultant, project director and fund raiser.

“The concept of an International Centre was inspired by organisations I came into contact with while working for the University of London, specifically London House/Goodenough College, International Hall and International Student House, which provided inspiration and ideas. I have tried to adapt the wealth of experience from these organisations to fit the recognised needs and ambition of the Canterbury and East Kent area. It is very heartening to have the support and enthusiasm from the generation coming through, to form a basis of a working team.”

Dennis Orji

Dennis Orji is a graduate of Computing from Canterbury Christchurch University and the Technology Director at Bludel Technologies Limited. His key areas include:- software development, electronic security and building management systems. Dennis has worked with multi-national teams to develop and maintain mission critical systems in a wide range of industries.

Sharmila Gurung

Sharmila was born in Nepal and is the daughter of a former Gurkha. She is a University of Kent graduate with a First Class Honours degree in Biochemistry. She will continue to contribute to the group with the role of a researcher and help us to expand the cross-generational reach of this project.

Dan Maya Gurung

Dan Maya is currently studying for a nursing degree at South Bank University in London. Over the years, she has been involved in various events and has promoted the beautiful heritage of Nepal through dance performances.

Amanda Amito

Amanda Amito is an alumni of Canterbury Christ Church University and studies International Development NGO management. Having worked in the voluntary sector for over 8 years, she has amassed experience in the design, development, implementation and management of UK and international programmes, fundraising and financial management, Monitoring and Evaluation and currently works as Head of Programmes for a small African Diaspora Organisation called KwaAfrica in London. In this globalised world, she poses the question around identity and its implications and values the importance of working together. A woman, black, African, Ugandan, Luo, a world citizen, an advocate? It seems this questioning mind-set has been the map and foundation for her ambitions and achievements throughout her life. She is currently one of the 100 diaspora change makers selected by Comic Relief and Unbound Philanthropy.