Interview with Wathmi
Welcome to the sixth interview of our miniseries with the faces behind Little Leaders Foundation! Today we shine a light on Wathmi Fernando, who volunteers with us and is also the architect of the Little Trees Nurtury! She tells us about the idea behind the design for the preschool, her experience as a student in Sri Lanka and her thoughts on education.
Meet Wathmi,
our content creator!
LLF: What do you do in your daily life?
Wathmi: As a mum of 3 toddlers, I have a pretty exciting schedule and my girls keep me on my toes. In addition to this, I manage my architectural practice where I do everything from architectural visuals to site visits from the North to the South of Sri Lanka.
LLF: How did you learn about Little Leaders Foundation and what motivated you to join our cause?
Wathmi: I am a volunteer architect for Bridging Lanka and when I started working on the Preschool design, I got to know about the link to Little Leaders Foundation. After doing my research, I soon realized the amazing drive and holistic approach the foundation takes towards education. I couldn’t be helped but drawn towards the cause. So, when the opportunity arose to volunteer, I went for it.
LLF: You helped with the design of the Little Trees Nurtury, could you share your philosophy and inspiration?
Wathmi: The design aims to tell the story of Mannar through the adaptation of its landscape and architecture, to create an experience of playfulness within the design. By using a simple rectangle and working on it like origami, the levels create a number of dimensions that young children can explore and interact with. This allows the space to be flexible and appreciated through the scale of the child. This approach aims to give caregivers and teachers a number of spaces to work with children in both small and large groups. A child will move from what seems like a “typical classroom” to a play-based exploratory learning environment that caters to the physical and mental well-being of the child. The spaces are also adaptable to be used by adults for community gatherings and adult learning when required.
LLF: What would you like to gain from your work here at Little Leaders Foundation?
Wathmi: I believe that continuous learning and sharing experiences are key to understanding deeper social issues and also contributes to personal growth. Becoming a mum has allowed me to unlearn and relearn through experience and I hope to use a different perspective to help provide creative solutions.
LLF: At Little Leaders Foundation we believe that education is an important tool to create equality. What was your school experience like?
Wathmi: I think I have always tried to be a good student, but I did enjoy being on the field more than being inside the classroom.
LLF: Did you feel empowered when you went to school?
Wathmi: Teachers play a major role in this aspect and yes some amazing teachers would go the extra mile to build you up and empower you.
LLF: While doing the sponsor a child project we noticed that more boys were going to school compared to girls. Did you notice that when you were younger? And if so, did that impact you in any way?
Wathmi: I was privileged enough to attend an international school where the numbers were almost equal. However, in marginalized societies in the same area where I used to volunteer as a student, I did notice that girls as young as 8 or 10 would be kept at home to do chores and look after younger siblings whereas their brothers would be able to continue schooling but come back and help with other work.
LLF: How was life growing up for you?
Wathmi: I am the child of Expats and grew up in Sri Lanka independently from the age of 9, I enjoyed going to school and participating in extracurricular activities. I loved getting involved in anything design related and later on teaching art and working with children for the same.
LLF: Did you ever feel like a little leader when you were younger?
Wathmi: Yes… when it came to anything creative.
LLF: Who inspired you as a child? And are they still an inspiration to you?
Wathmi: From a very young age my mum always said that “failures are the pillars of success”. The statement confused me when I was younger but as I grew up, I realized with things that were meant to be stumbling blocks in life, you have the power to make stepping stones. Yes, my grandparents’ and parents’ quiet determination and love will always be carried in my heart.
LLF: What is your favourite quote to help motivate you or lift you up?
Wathmi: “Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love.” - Mother Teresa
