Volunteers 2011

Hayley Barwick

Hello, I’m Hayley and I am twenty years old. I live in Redcar and go to Durham University, Queen’s Campus in Stockton. I am a second year Education Student.

When I first heard about Project Sri Lanka, I instantly thought it was an opportunity of a lifetime. That is why I immediately filled out the application form and hoped for the best.

I wanted to go to Sri Lanka to help the children and communities that were affected by the Tsunami. The thought of helping communities, even in small ways, that were effected by the Tsunami really appealed to me as I am a caring and compassionate person.

Also as I am an education student training to be a teacher, the chance to help teachers in Sri Lanka and becoming part of their school communities is like a dream. I have a passion for teaching and being able to help people who do not have the same facilities and resources as we do in our schools is fantastic.

Also experiencing different cultures, religions, food, dress and many more cultural characteristics appeals to me greatly, I want to explore and understand them.

As well as that I think the expedition will help me grow as a person and hopefully make me a better teacher in the long run, teaching children in tsunami stricken areas will help me put into context teaching in what I may think is a ‘tough’ school in Britain.

Luckily I made it into the Sri Lanka team 2011 and cannot wait for the adventure to begin.

Georgette Bradford

I’m Georgette and I’m studying my first year as an undergraduate in Biomedical science. I’m really excited about going to Sri Lanka and experiencing the differing culture, lifestyle and being part of a project which makes such a difference to the community. In my spare time I enjoy sports coaching and find the benefits of teaching so rewarding, hopefully I will be able to use my skills to benefit the community of Aththudawa to help rebuild their community and myself gain life changing memories and experiences.

Chris Brooker

Hi, I’m Chris Brooker, a second year Philosophy student at Josephine Butler College.

I really enjoy tennis and football, which I’ve played for as long as I can remember. I also love music and play the guitar. It’s a great way to bring people together and there is always something new to learn because every culture has its own style and character. I relish a challenge and I’m working toward my DofE Gold award whilst studying at Durham.

I love studying philosophy and take a real interest in people. In Sri Lanka I hope to gain an insight into new and exciting ways of life. I believe in encouraging and helping people to do enjoyable and rewarding things and I believe in doing them myself too!

Ed Fincham

Hi, I’m Ed and I’m a first year Politics, Philosophy and Economics student at Trevelyan College. I’m really looking forward to taking part in a project which continues to make such a substantial and sustainable difference to the communities of Sri Lanka. I especially enjoy Art and teaching, so hopefully I will be able to bring something to the community of Aththudawa. I know it will be a wonderful experience learning about such a different culture.

Alice Gillet

I am Alice Gillet and I am in my second year studying for a BA in Geography at St Chad’s College. I became interested in developing countries and sustainability of projects when studying for my geography A level, this has continued into my time at university. I developed a specific interest in the tsunami of 2004 and how its devestation is trying to be counter-acted.

I am very excited about spending my summer in Sri Lanka as I feel it will be really rewarding and an invaluable cultural experience.

Hannah Grayson

Hi, my name is Hannah Grayson and I am a second year Philosophy student at Josephine Butler College.

I want to go to Sri Lanka in 2011 because I believe it is the perfect oppertunity for me to challenge myself and help make a difference in the world. I chose Project Sri Lanka because I really enjoy working with different people in a community and working as a part of a team. Last year I worked on a summer school for gifted and talented students and this experience inspired me to apply to Project Sri Lanka. I have also completed my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award which helped develop my team working skills.

I believe I have lots of skills I can bring to the project as I am a very active person and enjoy a diverse range of sports such as playing badminton for the university team. I also feel that I can bring something to other areas such as my musical skills and my passion for arts and crafts.

Overall I am very excited to be a part of Project Sri Lanka and I think that I would be a valuable asset to the team.

Alex Hoffmann

Hi, I’m Alex Hoffmann, a 2nd year student from Cuths studying Maths and Physics! I joined Project Sri Lanka for several reasons: I’m really interested get to know more about international aid following the catastrophic tsunami in 2004, and I wanted to try my hand at some fundraising. I’ve heard many things about the Island, and hope that my contribution, in teaching, support and sports will really help those most in need by durably improving their lifestyle.

Emma Holloway

Hi, I’m Emma and I’m a first year at St Aidan’s College studying Ancient, Medieval and Modern History. I wanted to get involved with Project Sri Lanka because I think it is an incredible opportunity to offer support to those affected by the Tsunami and to help make a real difference. I’m particularly excited about the teaching aspect of volunteering since I enjoy working with young people, and I like music and drama so I’m looking forward to including them. I’ve heard a lot about Sri Lanka and cannot wait to immerse myself in its culture and learn about the country first-hand.

Sabina Holm

Hi, I’m Sabina and I’m a second year applied psychology student. When I was 9 I spent a year travelling with my parents, and since then I’ve welcomed any opportunity to travel and experience other cultures. I’ve always been interested in humanitarian work and so when I heard about Project Sri Lanka and I wanted to get involved immediately. I’m very excited about going to Sri Lanka and helping others. I enjoy Art and being creative, and hope to use these skills to contribute to the community. After speaking to others who have previously been to Sri Lanka I am really looking forward to what will be a positive and life changing experience.

Abi Jeyaramashandran

Hi, my name is Abi and am a first year student at Durham University.

Having parents of Sri Lankan origin I was instantly attracted to the idea of volunteering there. I have been there once before and after seeing the destruction the Tsuanami has had on the country, I have always wanted to help in whatever small way I can and I believe that this is the perfect opportunity. Without a doubt, by  building a community centre, people will be helped in the long term. I am also looking forward to see what life in a traditional Sri Lankan village will be like and I hope to immerse myself in the culture and ways of the people as much as I possibly can.

Sarah Noble

Hi I’m Sarah and I’m in my last year studying Primary Education.

Travelling and teaching abroad have always been passions of mine, therefore when I saw Project Sri Lanka I immediately applied. I am really excited to be part of Project Sri Lanka 2011 providing support to the community of Aththudawa in helping them to rebuild their community after being hit by the Tsunami. Being provided with the opportunity to work with the children of the community is great as I am keen to help those who do not have the same facilities and opportunities as others. I am also really looking forward to experiencing the culture and lifestyle of Sri Lanka immersing myself in community life, taking memories of the experience that will stay with me providing me and my teaching profession to develop as a result.

Helen Thackray

Hi, I’m Helen and I’m a third year Combined Arts student at Josephine Butler College.

When I heard about Project Sri Lanka I was keen to get involved as it seemed like a great opportunity to do something challenging yet rewarding at the end of my University career. I have a keen interest in the Arts and I am very excited about the prospect of getting involved in creative activites while helping the local community and forming relationships within a foreign culture.

Having never done anything like this before, I am very excited to be a member of the team and look forward to our arrival in Aththudawa!

Laura Thurman

Hi, my name is Laura Thurman and I am a second year Primary Education student. Those of you who regularly follow the progress of Project Sri Lanka might remember me from last year’s undergraduate team. My summer spent volunteering in Sri Lanka was a deeply moving experience and I fell in love with the country and its way of life. I made many special friends there and saying goodbye was very difficult. As I wrote in my final dairy: the only consolation is that I have not said goodbye, just “until we meet again…”.

So when I found out I was coming back to Sri Lanka again as leader of the 2011 team, I was really excited. Opportunities to be involved in such a meaningful project as this are rare. I feel privileged to be able to return to continue my involvement with the regeneration of Sri Lankan communities. Apart from meeting old friends again, the things I am most looking forward to are eating Khotu (a type of fast-food made of chopped-up roti, vegetables and spices) and wearing a sari. You never know, perhaps this time around I’ll actually learn the trick of how to put them on!

Charlotte Vernon

Hello, my name is Charlotte Vernon, I am 18, and a first year Primary Education student at Queen’s Campus. I am really looking forward to our expedition, especially working in the school, but also getting involved with the community. Also, I am excited about immersing myself in the different culture, and working with people of a greatly disadvantaged area, so different to our own.

I spent seven years before I came to Durham at my local netball club, participating in the fundraising, and being on the committee. I have also had some experience in the creative arts, producing and dancing in three dance shows at my secondary school, and being in school plays and pantomimes in previous years.

I cannot wait to get to know everybody on the expedition, and to get to Aththudawa and start our work over there!

Philip West

I’m Phil and I’m in my first year of Physics.

Sri Lanka has a unique culture and lifestyle, the south coast is still recovering from the tsunami and educational opportunities are lacking. I am looking forward to the chance to immerse myself in this way of life, bond with the people there, and make a meaningful and lasting difference to the community of Aththudawa, particularly the schooling.

I’ve never been to anywhere like Sri Lanka, although I’ve always wanted to. I’ve done a lot of tutoring and sports coaching with young people and I really enjoying communicating new ideas on a personal level.

Hannah Williams

I’m Hannah, I’m currently in my second year studying Primary Education at Queen’s Campus.

I have a passion for working with children and in particular being able to make an impact upon their lives. I also enjoy participating in sport, in particular swimming and netball. I am a fully qualified swimming teacher and I believe these skills will help me bring something exciting to project Sri-Lanka for children and adults alike.

I was very excited to be offered the opportunity to travel to Sri Lanka. The idea of making an impact on a whole community and their future was an important factor. I am looking forward to travelling to this beautiful country and making friends for life.