The Sichuan Earthquake in May 2008 killed nearly 70,000 people and left about 4.8 million homeless. Monetary support and medical aid from various organisations around the world poured in. However, two years after this disaster, little is known about the psychological impact on the victims and the coping strategies that they adopted.
On 10 March, 13 students led by lecturer Samuel Tan embarked on a vacation module (Practical Research Methods) to Sichuan. The aim of this vacation module was to assess the psychosocial well-being of recovering victims and to study their coping strategies. Over a 10-day period, the students conducted field research using quantitative and qualitative tools. They surveyed and interviewed relevant NGOs (Non-Government Organisations), government officials, and surviving victims.
One of the challenges the students faced was remaining objective in fact-finding even when faced with the teary eyes of old folks and orphans who had lost their next of kin. This was overcome by nightly sharing sessions, where all members would discuss their thoughts on personal assessment and self-discovery.
The entire journey was a larger-than-life experience for many of the students. Through this, all members were able to better appreciate Singapore’s geographical advantage which shields us from all natural calamities.
Mountain with side “shaved-off” by the Earthquake. The debris at the bottom contained bodies that have not been found. |
"Thus, from this research module, I think that the most precious research material I have found is that when life is an ordeal and God is busy with others, there are always mortal angels who will bring our hearts together. Through this, you will see qualities of humanity instead of selfishness, empathy instead of practicality. True happiness, determination and eternal motivation can be achieved through friendships, human bonding and a smile! This is something that I have learnt from the survivors. Every one can be and is a mortal angel themselves, so if we take some time off our everyday lives and cultivate relationships, we might be well on our way to leading fruitful lives."
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- Lee Jia Min/ MCM |
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| NP students conducting a mass dance for the orphans. Through stage activities, such as dance, games and crafts, students were able to gain better insights into the orphans’ inner world. |
"Throughout this trip, I got to see many different places and sides of China. Most of the people try really hard to make a living. They work hard and press on with their lives in the best way they know how. It was really hard to let go of these people who had graciously welcomed us into their communities because we had made a connection with them. When we had to leave both the old folks’ home and the orphanage, it seemed that they didn’t really want to let us go. They tried to follow us, walking behind as the vans we were in drove away. After this trip I really appreciate the things that I have in Singapore, especially after seeing how the villagers can be so happy even with the little that they have."
- Stanley Selva Retnam/MBIO |
The local old folk’s home |
This house along with 11 others formed an entire village before the disaster. However, the earthquake destroyed a dam and submerged the area with water eight stories high. No villagers survived the flood.
The gang – Students are from FMS, LSCT, and ME.