Anke Marais

Background

About Anke Marais

I am a South African living and studying in Washington, DC. I am currently pursuing my MA in International Development Studies at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University. I have undergraduate degrees in Architecture and Museum, Preservation, and Heritage Studies from the University of Pretoria. I am interested in the impact of planning on the lived experiences of peripheral communities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The goal for my Master's is to gain the skills necessary to facilitate community-led and participatory planning, especially in informal communities often excluded during urban planning processes. During my experience as an English teacher in South Korea, I discovered the power of effective communication and knowledge exchange. This experience was pivotal in my belief in the importance of skill-sharing and collaborative learning, which I now strive to incorporate into my work in the field of development. In addition to teaching, I worked as a design and construction volunteer in Indonesia, amplifying my understanding of the value of skill exchange and knowledge transfer during development projects. This hands-on involvement reinforced my commitment to creating well-designed, culturally sensitive, and community-driven spaces. I am enthusiastic about contributing to projects that positively impact societies and their environments, with a focus on the holistic approach that integrates cultural preservation, architectural innovation, and community empowerment. Let's connect and explore opportunities to collaborate on meaningful projects!