Beckie

I’m Beckie and I’m a second year Combined Arts student, currently taking modules in English Literature, Classics and History of Art.

I have always have regarded partaking in community work with children as rewarding, and I am keen to gain more experience of this, particularly in such a challenging environment. While our input of financial aid will be vital, the involvement that we will have in the community – teaching, making friends and helping to return life to normal – will hopefully make a long-lasting difference, particularly for the children.

To this end, I’m looking forward to the music and art projects that we be organizing for them, and I think that the whole experience will be tremendous fun for both the community and for us.

Bekah

Hello I’m Rebekah, studying for a degree in Primary Education.

I have a great passion for working with children and helping those less fortunate than myself and Project Sri Lanka will be a fantastic opportunity for me to do this as well as experience a completely different culture.

This is a great opportunity for us to make a difference to the lives of the people in Sri Lanka and ourselves. Out adventure has already begun with many fundraising events, I really cannot wait to get out there!

Bron

I’m Bronwen, a second year English student and Health & Welfare officer for the project.

I’m looking forward to the educational and linguistic aspect of this diverse project. I also have a deep emotional interest in the Sri Lankan people and culture, and wish to return the help and kindness which I have experienced from them.

Ellie

Hi, My name is Elinor Arter, and I am studying French, English and Spanish at Durham.

I am so excited about Sri Lanka, it is going to be a life-changing experience. I am thrilled that we will be welcomed into the heart of the Rassandeniyan community – that is such a fantastic privilege. I am hugely optimistic and excited about this project.

Emma C

I’m Emma C, a second year Medical Anthropology student at Durham.

I have had a lot of experience with working with children and caring for those in need. From a young age I have wanted to help people less fortunate than myself and have decided I would like a career in the voluntary sector after I graduate.

I believe our project will be a great opportunity to make a difference to those who have suffered from the tragedy of the tsunami in Sri Lanka. I am thoroughly looking forward to helping in all departments, but especially in music and in the primary school.

I am excited to learn more about the Sri Lankan culture and how we can help the whole community to maintain a sustainable and healthy lifestyle.

Emma M

I’m Emma and I’m a second year English Student and the co-ordinator for the volunteers in Sri Lanka. This means I’ll be ensuring all the different, fantastic aspects of the project get the maximum possible attention from our lovely volunteers!

I am looking forward to the project as a chance to gain more experience of overseas voluntary work and the opportunity for a unique, mutual cultural exchange.

Helen

My name is Helen and I’m a Natural Sciences student with a particular interest in Psychology.

I love experiencing new places and that’s why I’m really excited about going to Sri Lanka. I’m particularly looking forward to getting involved in the village community and to meeting other young people at the University of Ruhuna.

Helen M

Hi, I’m Helen and am in my second year at Durham studying English Literature.

I wanted to take part in the Sri Lanka Project as it seemed like a really exciting opportunity. We’re not just taking part in a charity project but making our own, which will make a real difference to the people in our adopted village for a long time into the future.

I’m looking forward to getting involved with the sports and arts in Sri Lanka. We’ve all been working hard to raise the money so that the Rassandeniya community can have their school. Our exploits so far include throwing ourselves off large architectural structures (i.e. the Tyne Bridge), running marathons (well, half-marathons – but it’s still a long way), and generally just encouraging everyone we know to help out.

It’s going to be amazing and I can’t wait to get there.

Helen R

I’m Helen, a second year law student.

I believe all of us have an obligation to do what is in our capability to help others and I really enjoy being a part of projects which work with communities in challenging circumstances to help bring about sustainable improvement.

I’m especially looking forward to working with children and helping them forge a more happy and secure future for themselves.

Jane

I’m Jane and I’m currently studying for a degree in Primary Education.

I want to go to Sri Lanka as a fantastic opportunity to see more of the world and a chance to make a difference to people’s lives. I am most looking forward to working with the children and getting involved in music activities.

Kate

I’m Kate, a second year Combined Arts student taking modules in History of Art, English Literature and Anthropology.

Project Sri Lanka is a unique and incredible opportunity to experience a different culture and become part the community. I am both thrilled and honoured to have been chosen as part of the project, and just cannot wait to get out there!

Laura

My name is Laura and I’m a second year student studying Natural Sciences, with a particular interest in Chemistry.

I love travel, and I am looking forward to project Sri Lanka as an opportunity to see an amazing new country from a unique perspective.

I am excited about working with the Sri Lankan people to help improve educational facilities and provide support, where a genuine need has been identified. I am the treasurer for the project and am particularly looking forward to working with the Sri Lankan students to produce the cultural show at the end of our stay.

Mary-Anne

My name is Mary Anne MacLeod, I come from Edinburgh and I am a second year English student at Durham.

I’m so excited about spending the summer in Sri Lanka. From my experiences of volunteering abroad I know that you learn so much about a country’s people and culture which isn’t possible if you simply visit as a tourist.

This is a fantastic project which is really making positive and lasting difference to the lives of the Sri Lankan communities it is working with. I am very proud to be a part of it!

Rachael L

I’m Rachael and I’m a finalist Combined Arts student. I take modules in English Literature, History and Political Philosophy.

I graduate in June and intend to work in the charity or public sector. This Project is a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a volunteer scheme in which personal contribution and input can really make a tangible difference.

It will hopefully be a fantastic end to my time at Durham University and the perfect start for my future career.

Rachel W

I’m Rachel, I’m a fourth year studying languages (Italian and German) and cannot wait to get out to Sri Lanka this summer.

The devastation caused by the Tsunami was made very real to me as I’d previously been to places in both India and Thailand that were hit. Since then I’ve had a real interest in post-tsunami aid work and have wanted to help in some way.

This, along with my love of travel and experiencing new cultures, and my hopes to teach abroad after graduating, means that this project is an ideal way for me to finish my time at Durham. I’m so excited about all the challenges and opportunities it will offer us, and am thrilled at having been chosen to take part!