Otter lover Emmelianna Bujak's Cambodia challenge
Jul 26 2010 by Anne-Marie Senior, Huddersfield Daily Examiner
AN OTTER-LOVING Huddersfield woman is on a mission to protect one of the world’s most endangered species.
Emmelianna Bujak, 28, will heading off to Cambodia’s wetlands in September to begin a year-long research project.
The former All Saints’ High School pupil will be studying three different species of otters living there.
She will also be working with local people to help protect the animals’ natural habitat and teaching the community new skills in a bid to halt poaching.
Emmelianna – who studied at Greenhead College – will be working for the charity International Otter Survival Fund.
Her placement came after she was chosen from 2,500 people to win funding from the Vodafone Foundation’s 2010 World of Difference International programme.
The scheme donates £45,000 to the winner’s charity to fund vital projects.
Emmelianna – who grew up in Crosland Moor – couldn’t believe she had been selected.
She said: “It is only just starting to sink in. I’m so excited and couldn’t believe I had won.
“I never thought for a second I was going to get it.
“It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
After completing a psychology degree at Goldsmiths, University of London, Emmelianna worked with autistic children in Kenya and later in Huddersfield.
