The COVID-19 emergency is real and medical systems in many countries are overwhelmed. Faced with the urgent need in hospitals, makers, fablabs and makerspaces around the world have been organising local production of solutions to help throughout the pandemic.
What is a fablab? A makerspace or a fablab is a space accessible to the public where it is possible to prototype your projects using computer-controlled machines such as: 3D printers, laser cutting, digital milling machines, electronics ... those who frequent these spaces are often called "makers."
Sarah, a Girl Guide from Côte d'Ivoire, lives in Belgium as a maker and entrepreneur. With the help of 3D printers, she and her partner make facecovers for those people who work day and overnight to ensure minimum service and those on the front line in the COVID19 pandemic, such as home doctor, nursery, administrations, dentists, home or street nurse, catering, rest home, pharmacy, small hospitals.
The facecovers are drawn using a 3D drawing program and put into OpenSource by makers around the world. The designs are approved by one of the main hospitals in Belgium.
“My experience and my involvement in the Guide movement are the fuel for all my projects and initiatives in professional life. Participating in the Juliette Low Seminar (JLS) and being aware of the WAGGGS leadership model has opened my mind to see opportunities to take concrete action there sometimes everything seems chaotic” Sarah says.
“This project highlights the leadership mindsets I developed during JLS. Collaborative mindset – working with other makers around the world; creative and critical mindset – the research to find new solutions; responsible action mindset – making a real impact at local level; and of course the worldly mindset – thinking globally but acting locally.”
Sarah is not the only Girl Guide and Girl Scout to put her hands to work.
While under stay-at-home isolation, Samantha, a Cadette from New Hampshire USA, uses a donated 3D printer to make face masks for those on the front line.
"I heard that healthcare workers need masks because of a shortage due to the coronavirus pandemic," Samantha said. "They need masks to protect themselves from getting sick so they can continue to treat patients. The healthcare workers are really brave and I'm so excited that I have this opportunity to help them."
What are you doing in your community? How has being a Girl Guide or Girl Scout given you the skills and confidence to play your part in the COVID-19 response?
Tell us at comms@wagggs.org.