Psychology graduates urged to support Colombian quake survivors

Just over a week on from an earthquake which killed at least 300 people, Colombian universities have been rallying their communities to assist disaster efforts.

Psychology graduates willing to offer “support and guidance” to those caught up in the crisis have been urged to join a network coordinated by the National University of Colombia (UNAL).

The university is also running its United for Earthquake Victims campaign, a donations drive supporting students and staff members impacted by the tremor at its campuses in Palmira and Manizales.

In a statement UNAL’s National Alumni Program said: “To each graduate, their families, and the impacted communities, we send a fraternal embrace and our most sincere solidarity. The strength of our university has always resided in its people and in the ability to unite when the country needs us most.”

The University of the Andes has set up five collection points across its campus, to run throughout August, providing access to essential items including food, medical care, and clothing.

Meanwhile, the private Icesi University in Cali has been sharing tips for survivors on how to “protect the respiratory health of all” as rescue teams demolish buildings and work through the rubble.

Medical students at the university have also been volunteering with relief efforts.

The earthquake, which took place on 10 August, was felt across much of western and central Colombia and in parts of neighbouring Ecuador and Panama.

The recently-elected president Abelardo de la Espriella declared a country-wide disaster and three days of national mourning, with soldiers, engineers, and firefighters all working to try and free survivors and assess building damage.

Espriella had taken office just three days before the earthquake struck. He has promised rent subsidies for families that have lost their homes.

University campuses have also suffered damage. UNAL rector José Ismael Peña Reyes has allocated COL$4 billion (£950,000) from the university’s emergency fund to address the destruction caused by the 7.4 magnitude quake, redirecting financial surpluses from previous years to cover the spending.

“This decision aims to address the damage caused by the earthquake, protect the university community, and take the necessary steps to mitigate further risks,” Reyes said.

Colombian popstar and philanthropist Shakira is among those to have pledged thousands of dollars towards rebuilding schools and the Technological University of Chocó, which is located at the epicentre of the earthquake.

This university is the main higher education provider in the area, where many schoolchildren in the area go on to study. Shakira told journalists on a visit to Chocó’s town of Quibdó on 17 August: “Rebuilding it means protecting the path those young people have already begun.”

georgia.luckhurst@timeshighereducation.com