Huawei Model U8180 locked on version 2.2.2, kernel 2.6.32.9

Good evening everyone.

I have a Huawei Model U8180 locked on Android version 2.2.2, kernel 2.6.32.9 and now Whatsapp does not work because it says my Android version is too old.

I still have 6 months left on my phone contract.

It's Mexico network IUSACELL.

Is their a way I can manually upgrade Android so I can continue using whatsapp through to the end of my contract when I can get a new phone?

It's an entry level smartphone so I would only want to bump up to the oldest version that whatsapp will work with.

Many thanks