Safeguarding Sri Lankan Students in UK
The situation of Sri Lankan students abroad varies from location, school and other factors (the density of COVID-19 patients in the area, for instance.)
Where I am based, we’ve had 6 student cases so far and a handful in the locality. UK undergraduate and post-graduate students have been asked to return home and international students were requested to do the same, where possible. I have to admit to a sense of reassurance while here, as the Sri Lankan High Commissions swiftly got in touch with us and are maintaining contact, should the situation turn serious; hoping that this link acts as an efficient safeguard to the thousands of us still here.
The university, libraries and all non-essential businesses and services have been shut down and everyone has been advised to limit travel and exposure.
With little access to physical resources, many international students in self-isolation have taken to using digital libraries and portals for educational material and we have been informed of all classes taking place online during the new semester.
A few things I’ve incorporated into my ‘isolation routine.’ Light exercise, a walk around a garden (if you have the luxury of having one!) and a few minutes outdoors is crucial to our overall well-being. Staying indoors, with no exposure to the elements can have long term mental and physical health effects on you and right now, maintaining a good head-space is crucial.
I’m doing a lot of reading, taking advantage of free e-book services to study new topics of interest. I’ve given myself a mini-project of compiling data and information about the pandemic to try and understand it better, based on comparisons historical predecessors of the pandemic and current challenges which may alter our response to it.
I also take the time to do something creative every day; be it drawing, writing or attempting to ‘creatively’ cook something. It helps to take your mind off things (such as the bad news we find ourselves inundated with!) and relieves anxiety which tends to build up during crisis situations like this.
Everyday has an hour or so I dedicate to my friends and family back at home. I make sure to stay in contact with people I love several times a day. As a student, self-isolating in a single room, with little to no human contact, being able to see my loved ones over a video call or hear their voice is a luxury I value completely.
I’ve also started tutoring English Literature students (over e-mail) who are studying for their A/Ls. We’ve formed a small study group already! While it’s so unfortunate that a lot of educational institutions back at home, particularly schools, have had to close down, and many are scrambling to convert to online teaching (a concept that is seldom practiced in Sri Lanka as fluidly as it is outside the island)
Last but most importantly, I take a moment to be grateful every day. And as vapid as this may sound, it helps me align my priorities and prevents complacency. It also creates a sense of determination to survive this pandemic and emerge with greater resilience – something we all need to consider, given that life will not be the same after COVID-19.
- Sheshadri Kottearachchi , University of Oxford