Football legend trumpets elephant rescue student
Brodick woman will also document the development of ‘voluntourism’
Cash from an award supported by Sir Alex Ferguson will stuff an Arran student’s trunk when she travels to Thailand to help exploited elephants.
Joanna McAleer wants to help rehabilitate elephants traumatised by cruel working conditions, after winning Glasgow Caledonian University’s Sir Alex Ferguson Magnusson award.
Ms McAleer, who is from Brodick and is spending an exchange year studying at the University of Rijeka in Croatia, was one of eight students presented with a Magnus Magnusson award at a ceremony on Tuesday May 16.
The awards will support them in volunteering projects across the globe, bringing their expertise and knowledge to parts of the world where it will make a real and lasting difference.
The award will fund the BA (Hons) international business and tourism management student’s trip to work with elephants rescued from the tourism industry and to document the development of ‘voluntourism’ – volunteer tourism.
Miss McAleer said: ‘I have always loved animals and was shocked by the working conditions of many used by the tourism industry.
‘I will be volunteering in the mountainous region of northern Thailand for a month, tracking rehabilitated elephants and documenting their behaviours.
‘I will be working alongside the local Karen community and the cultural experience will give me a first-hand perspective of voluntourism.
‘I will be documenting the trip and sharing film and media with students who may be considering combining travelling with volunteering.
‘My professional interests lie in ethical and sustainable tourism and I am extremely grateful to have won the Sir Alex Ferguson Magnusson award.’
This year’s award ceremony, in the university’s Saltire Centre, marked the 10th year of the Magnus Magnusson awards. The awards have supported more than 80 students to undertake their dream projects worldwide.
Principal and vice-chancellor Professor Pamela Gillies and Dr Sally Magnusson, daughter of Magnus, discussed their favourite memories of the awards and the story of how it all began.
Dr Magnusson interviewed three former student winners, sharing the remarkable impact of their award on their life and the lives of others several years on.
Joel Somerville drove 6,000 miles across West Africa to work aboard a mercy ship as a volunteer optometrist carrying out vital eye surgeries; John McAlinden recorded his first album, which led to his band Colonel Mustard and the Dijon Five touring the world; and Gillian Murray delivered lifesaving care for newborn babies in Tanzania.
Professor Gillies said: ‘Ten years ago, the Magnus Magnusson Awards were created to support and cultivate the ambitions and dreams of the talented young people of Glasgow Caledonian University who wish to share their talents in some way with others.
‘We, as the university for the common good, are so proud of the achievements that have been made possible over the years through this incredible initiative.’
Ms Magnusson added: ‘I feel thrilled and humbled. My father cared very much for seeing young people flourish. He understood their aspirations and was curious about what they wanted to do with their lives.’