...who we are
UK Staff
Karl Hankinson (Founder and Director)
Karl is a trained Cardiac Physiologist (BSc Hons) and Sports Scientist (BSc Hons), who has gone on to achieve further diplomas in Personal Training and HIV/AIDS Prevention & Strategy, and is currently studying for a post-graduate Diploma in International Development.
Karl has previously worked in Uganda, South Africa and Ghana. In 2006, he co-wrote the Whizzkids Life Skills Programme and Coaching Manual, and has gone on to pilot the programme in South Africa, Ghana and Uganda. Karl is currently the WKU UK Project Manager and will be co-ordinating the first Whizzkids United programmes across the UK.
Karl has also played semi-professional football for 2 years, is a F.A qualified coach and has four years of dance training in London.
Anna Melvin (Co-Founder and Director)
Anna is a Chartered Physiotherapist (MSc), with a previous degree in Anatomical Sciences (BSc Hons). She has two years of physiotherapy experience in the NHS and has acheived a further diploma in Sports Massage.
Anna has completed previous projects in Uganda in 2005, working with HIV orphans and teaching in primary schools. Anna is also a keen sports women, competing to a high level in athletics, football and netball.
Rick, Anna and Karl
Rick Benfield (Co-Founder and Director)
Rick has gained a degree in Business Administration (BSc Hons) and has over five years experience at Accenture, a global management consultancy.
Rick has played a vital role in moving the idea forward, forming cost strategies, developing business ideas and constructing the website. Rick also formed part of the three-man team that travelled out to Uganda in 2008 to establish the wannabeamazin project and develop the on-going programmes.
Jeremy Katz (Fundraising Manager)
Jeremy is an experienced project manager and a published author in leading project management publications. He has organised fundraising events for various charities in recent years, raising over £20,000 in the process.
Bajjo Staff
Click here to find out more about the local people behind wannabeamazin in Bajjo.