Sociologist off to site of tsunami
A SOCIOLOGY student will spend her summer in Sri Lanka helping in the country’s on-going recovery from the 2004 tsunami.
On Boxing Day five years ago hundreds of thousands lost their lives, homes and livelihoods as a giant tidal wave battered the Asian island.
Five years on and islanders are still re-building their lives and Nisha Devgan, 23, from West Auckland, wants to go and help.
Nisha is one of 15 Durham University students chosen to spend 10 weeks in Kirelawela, a small village on the island 19 miles off the coast of India.
She will teach in local schools and build up relationships with the locals. Nisha said: “It’s six months away and I’ve got to finish my degree course first but I still can’t wait.
I’m not sure what career I want yet but I would like to be a volunteer and help those less fortunate.
This trip is a good place to start and it will be a unique experience.”
Nisha will fly out to Sri Lanka the day after she graduates and won her place on the trip ahead of hundreds other eager students.
The trip has been organised by Durham University and their ongoing Project Sri Lanka. Nisha said: “Every year the university sends some students and staff to Sri Lanka to help the local people. “I’m delighted to have been chosen, I just have to get through my final exams first.”
A Durham University spokesman said: “Project Sri Lanka began as a result of the tsunami tragedy which occurred in December 2004.
“Since that time it has moved beyond the immediate re-construction and relief needs of devastated communities and now focuses on providing buildings and human support for the long term development sustainable development of villages.
“The project is grounded in humanitarian objectives.
“It has students and young people at the heart of it.
“It is also underpinned by academic research and teaching in a wide range of disciplines which have relevance to understanding natural disasters, dealing with the effects of human tragedy, and the development of communities.”
Nisha needs to raise £2,200 for the trip and will organise fundraising events in the town.
She is also appealing for sponsorship to help her dream trip become a reality.
To sponsor Nisha, email nisha.devgan@durham.ac.uk or visit charitygiving.co.uk/neesha
