Nairobits founders

Nairobits was founded in 1999 by Emer Beamer, Hester Ezra and Ineke Aquarius. During this eleven-year period, they have initiated, developed and implemented many projects, under the name Butterfly Works since 2003. Butterfly Works is a ‘social design studio’ in which design is the leading factor for the work they do – namely finding answers to international, social issues. They believe in a cross-border effect of design linked to content. ‘Co-design for a better world’ is the visionary pursuit and claim of Butterfly Works. Everything they do originates from the philosophy of co-design. This is the implementation of a sincere reciprocity, which should typify international co-operation. Their products, educational and branding programmes are the visible and recognizable proofs of this philosophy.

Emer Beamer

Co-Founder, Research and Development Director (Butterfly Works)
Emer Beamer is a social designer and conceptor, who has co-founded two idealistic organizations, to name NairoBits and Butterfly Works. She has deeply co-created 7 learning campaigns which are currently used in 16 countries in 3 continents.

"I think the essence which makes our work at Butterfly Works unique and powerful is our ability to see the creativity in all people, even in the most harsh circumstances, to facilitate it’s growth so that the individual benefits, so that the world enjoys their creation and the balance of power is tipped in their favor." This vision is at the heart of her work which is an eclectic mix of digital design education, peace campaigns, HIV/aids school programs, tinkering festivals, global exchanges, children’s books, mobile phone games and solar gadgets.

Emer now leads a team of multi-disciplinary young people in the Netherlands and Kenya who work together in developing new programs and concepts according to the Butterfly Works co-creation method. This year, one of her aims is to document this method in such a way that others can apply it to their work. "There is so much potential in our approach, I want to share it."

Ineke Aquarius

Co-founder / Program Director

Ineke is an outstanding connector, she integrates and creates solution oriented networks. Her background lies in the research of urban slum development.
She is always striving for the best possible and shows an incredible eagerness to gain experiences from mistakes in order to succeed. Ineke loves solving big issues and start a positive chain of events.

Looking back, Ineke says it is hard to believe that they have been working together for eleven years now. ‘Time has flown by! At the same time, when I think back to that evening in Nairobi, or the awards ceremony in New York, it does all feel like another life time.‘ On reflection, Ineke chooses a different 'zenith'. ‘What I feel right down to the tip of my toes, is when something happens that shows us the impact of our work on other people’s lives. When one of ‘our’ students wins an award, for example, or finds a really good jobs...' QUOTE: “Leap over the verge of your exellence.”

Hester Hezra

Creative director of Butterfly works

Hester Ezra, creative director of Butterfly works, is an artist-designer who, according to her colleague Ineke, sees opportunities everywhere. ‘Hester is an adventurous spirit, a true entrepreneur.

She is interested in everything new, new cultures, new concepts… she always tries to get the utmost out of everything.’ ‘Yes,’ Hester agrees, ‘when I was seventeen I was working in Istanbul, then I went to the States, and then to Greece… I suppose I have always yearned for an overflowing life. Within Butterfly Works, I never feel held back, that is what is so unique about it. When someone really wants something, we will keep searching for a way to realize that. That is what Butterfly Works stands for.’

About Butterfly Works

Butterfly Works was founded by Emer Beamer, Hester Ezra and Ineke Aquarius and is now a growing, dynamic organisation. A whole team of ‘butterflies’ works on a wide range of projects aimed at development in the widest sense of the word. Each of the team members devotes their particular talents to helping people around the world get a ‘fair deal’. Three very different women who recognised in each other a drive to make a difference, to make the impossible possible...

Visit Butterfly Works website: www.butterflyworks.org