Volunteers 2010

Hello, we are the postgraduate student team for Moraketiara 2010.

Let us introduce ourselves and explain why we are committed to this project:

Jagruti

My name is Jagruti, I’m a second year PhD student in the Philosophy department. I like to travel, attend the theatre, read, write stories, play the guitar, violin and piano. I went to Sri Lanka last year and loved the people so much that I’m itching to go back again. I especially look forward to resuming my music lessons with the village children, as well as once more being a part of the ongoing development of Moraketiar

Olivia

Hello, my name is Olivia! I am currently undergoing my final year in Anthropology and Sociology. I previously travelled to Sri Lanka as part of the 2008 undergraduate group and since then have been itching to return. I am very grateful of the opportunity to travel back and I am especially excited to live in the village of Moraketiara and really engage with the local community. I am extremely passionate about development work, especially in terms of engaging with communities at a grass roots level, and I truly believe that this project is impacting people’s lives in a very positive way. I hope to pass on my expertise in sports to members of the community as well as help with there spoken English which, in Sri Lanka, is a necessary tool for them to progress within education and professionally. I can’t wait!

Erin

Hello! My name is Erin. I am currently a student at the School of Social Work which is part of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada. I have been fortunate enough to have been offered the opportunity to travel to Durham in the spring of 2010 and complete a work placement as part of my program requirements. In the fall of 2010, I intend to begin the Masters of Social Work program at Dalhousie University. I have experience in the human services field. At present I work in a small option home as a counselor. I work with three vibrant, energetic clients who have physical and intellectual disabilities. I am passionate about this work and find it very fulfilling. I also have experience in a volunteer capacity at Feed Nova Scotia, my home province’s food bank, and with Operation Christmas Child, an organization that collects Christmas gifts to send overseas to children in need. I am thrilled to be part of Project Sri Lanka. I look forward to broadening my experiences in the field of social work and the spirit of volunteerism.

Dirk

Hello, my name is Dirk.

I’m studying for my Masters degree in International Relations at Ustinov College. Although it might sound a bit over-idealistic, I want to make my contribution to making the world a better place. Even though it might only be a very little step, Project Sri Lanka is a great opportunity to make a difference by helping a community develop sustainably. At the same time, I’m looking forward to experiencing Sri Lankan culture and meeting new and interesting people.

Claudia

Hello, my name is Claudia! I am currently studying as an ERASMUS exchange student at the University of Durham. I am already a graduate, having finished my 1st state examination, the first degree for becoming a mathematics and physics teacher in Germany. Between completing my degree and coming to Durham I spent four months travelling around the world, visiting a variety of countries including India, Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia. This unique opportunity enabled me to gain a wealth of experiences and an understanding of different cultures. My passion is to teach and to support people. Therefore, I am looking forward to go to Sri Lanka, contribute and expand my experiences in this group and get involved in the community in Moraketiara.

Oliver

Hello, my name is Oliver and I’m currently studying for a PGCE in secondary music. I have wanted to work (preferably teach) abroad for a long time now so when I heard about Project Sri Lanka through Joy and the Durham University Charity Kommittee, I instantly leapt at the idea. I was fortunate enough to be accepted so now I’m really looking forward to working in Moraketiara, being involved in a beautiful community and working with the dedicated and passionate members of the project.