UV - ELM TEAM DEPART FOR NIAS

Darman drives his wife to distraction with his generosity and determination to help those who are worse off than he is. Born in a remote village on the west coast of Nias, Darman was "adopted" by a Muslim family who owned a fishing boat after running away from home at the age of 10.

He grew up working on boat along the west coast, either fishing or collecting copra. 15 years ago he moved to Padang and married En, a beautiful and fiercely independent Nias girl. they now have 6 children and En works managing a textile workshop for Fremantle based artist Megan Kirwin-ward.

After the tsunami in December destroyed most of his home village Darman, headed out to the area on a SAI boat and acted as a guide for 2 weeks. He found his own family home destroyed and since then he has been trying to find ways to help his traditional home town. A week ago Darman visited our ELM office and described the conditions in west Nias. Marshall Bailey from UV, Inge and Malkie from ELM immediately volunteered to travel overland to the area to gather first hand information. The team departed by Pelni ferry from Padang yesterday and are in Gunung Sitoli meeting with the Bupati's staff. Tomorrow they set off over land to the west coast.

Before departing Marshall and the rest of the team purchased 30 boxes of school supplies and loaded them onto the Electric Lamb. The ELM volunteers aboard will distribute the books, pens and sports equipment to schools on the west coast of Siberut in the Mentawai Islands.

Thanks to all the University Volunteers who have continued to support our efforts with donations back in the US.

Check UV's website at: www.universityvolunteers.org