Louise Mellotte
Hi, i'm Louise Mellotte, and I work in the Emergencies Team at ActionAid! The team supports countries that are affected by disasters, for example floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and wars.
I help these countries raise money to be able to respond to disasters. I also try and influence key decision-makers like the British Government on what they should spend their money on. I try to convince them that ActionAid's way of doing things is a good one!
I love having daily contact with people from all over the world. I also travel two or three times a year to places where ActionAid works. This helps me to see exactly what ActionAid is doing directly with the poor and vulnerable people we are working with.
Outside of work, I love windsurfing, travelling, and reading when I get the chance!
Questions and Answers (October 11, 2004)
Q: [from Greg Burns] Hello! Have you ever been to a disaster place and what was it like?
A: Hi Greg, I have been to some disaster sites and the most recent is the one that springs to mind. In August I visited north-east India which has been hit by serious floods. To be honest I have never seen anything like it - what used to be the village, the school, the hospital was completely under water and just looked like a big lake. Talking to the women, men and children who had lost their homes in the floods was the hardest. But the amazing thing is that many of them were still able to smile - their bravery is something I will never forget.
Q: [from Sandeep] What's the hardest disaster you've had to help with. Why was it so tough?
A: Hi Sandeep, I think again I would have to say visiting the flooded area in India this Summer, it was the hardest because it was the first time I had actually been in the middle of a disaster as it was happening rather that being there afterwards. To see so many people who are so poor to start off with, lose everything in the floods. I think the hardest part is always when you have to leave - no matter how long or short you are able to stay, I had to come home and leave the women, children I had met behind who were in desperate need of help.
Q: [from Lisa Crags] Where have you been windsurfing?
A: Hi Lisa, I started learning to windsurf last year and normally go to Rutland Water which is about 45 minutes away from Nottingham where I live. I have also done it in Cornwall, Greece and this Summer in Egypt!
Q: [from Suzie] Who is the most amazing person you've met since you've been working with ActionAid?
A: Hi Suzie, you know its very difficult to single out one person. The people I meet who work at ActionAid and the people I meet when I have the opportunity to travel always amaze me. The ActionAid staff around the world are an inspiring group of people, full of energy and commitment to their work and to the fight against poverty. Then there are the people we are working with in some of the poorest communities in the world, a group of women I met in the earthquake affected area of Gujarat in India do come to mind though. Again they had lost their houses and some of them had lost husbands and children in the earthquake and are living in temporary shelters, each day is a struggle yet they are still so dignified and even still maintained a sense of humour and a smile.
Q: What's your favourite food?
A: I am a big fan of grilled goats cheese and roasted red peppers!
Q: [from rebecca tyler] How long will it take to get from Chembakolli in India to Letchworth in England?
A: Well Chembakolli is in the South of India so you would have a flight of about 8 hours to get to London and then from there probably a 2/3 hour journey to Letchworth. Quite a journey!
Q: [from fidelegessa@yahoo.com] Hii Louise. Years back ActionAid was all over our country Kenya helping the less fortunate in the Western Region then it all went dead all over a sudden. please Loiuse is there a possible way you can bring back ActionAids in Western Kenya, Busia District as Schooling has been a problem since it went dead. Help your/our children get eduction.
A: I work on disasters and emergencies only, so do not decide what areas ActionAid carries out its log term work. It would be better if you contact your local ActionAid office in Kisimu as they can answer your questions much better than I can!
How did you find out about the Global Links website? please send us an email at: globallinks@actionaid.org.uk as we would love to know!
