Meredith Talbert, Portland State University, OR (EFL Intern)
I worked as an intern for the Environmental Foundation Ltd. during the summer of 2010, for three months. During this time I was introduced to the diverse projects that EFL tackles on behalf of the environment and communities of Sri Lanka. From the very beginning I was impressed by the passion and knowledge that staff members bring to the organization’s mission. Each one of them is entirely dedicated to every project they take on.As a sociologist, my interests are in the intersections of the natural environment and communities, a theme supported by the work and projects that EFL accepts. I came to EFL ready to begin data collection for my sociology masters thesis from Portland State University. The qualitative research project that I had in mind was one that fell directly in line with a project EFL was already working on.
Most of my efforts while at EFL was focused on the Mangroves for the Future project on the Maha Oya. EFL staff working on this project introduced me to the scientific research being done in the area, and allowed me to be part of the community events that took place while I was there. As my main contribution, it was my goal to conduct fifteen interviews with village residents along the most western end of the Maha Oya. The intention of this was to gain a more holistic social understanding of the lives of people in this region. Working with EFL on this project made it possible for me to complete these interviews, as it offered me credibility within the community, something that is often difficult to gain as an outsider. One EFL staff member served as a translator during each interview, without which I would never have been able to conduct the interviews.
I learned a great deal from the time I spent working with EFL and given the opportunity to do it again I would surly take it. The support I received from the EFL staff was indispensable to the successful completion of research and data collection for my thesis, for which I am very thankful. I have such a great respect for each and every person works with EFL and the way they are committed enthusiastically to the people and environment of Sri Lanka.
