Serena Brown

"Expedition highlights include meeting so many new people and making some really good friends. The phases themselves were all so different and challenging in different ways. Just being able to take part in such a great programme was a privilege."

Serena Brown joined the Costa Rica and Nicaragua 2006 expedition through the Motive8 programme.

The community project in Miraflor was daunting at first because of the language barrier; however, we got on really well with our host family and learnt a lot about the country's history. Work consisted of building a pre-school, collecting and mixing the materials for cement, making the bricks and putting them up. We interacted with the kids teaching Spanish and English lessons in our spare time as well as having football and rounder matches with the locals.

The Dragon trek was a tough phase which is mentally and physically challenging. It does push you to your limits however, with many stunning views, great teamwork and the sense of achievement once completed, the trek is well worthwhile.

The environmental project was great for an once-in-a-lifetime experience. We were turtle watching and had the chance to see these amazing creatures. We helped to prevent the poaching of the eggs which are considered a delicacy. The conservation work  included building a hatchery for the relocated eggs, helping to clear a trail so the rangers can patrol at night, and beach cleaning so the turtles can get on to the beach to dig their nests.

It's great to hear so many stories from people because they are from different places and at different stages in their lives. My tolerance of people has improved greatly. I have learnt that I need to appreciate things at home because I have less than most people on Raleigh, but still not as little as those in the community phase where they are happy with what they do have. I learnt a lot about the history of Nicaragua and Costa Rica through the host country venturers. I learned that sometimes you really do have to appreciate what's around you and look after it, nature etc.

 

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• Case Studies
• Aged 17-24 Venturer
  • Jaqueline Hemery
  • Alex Jaggard
  • Ayesha Khan
  • Felicia Royaards
  • Beth Rushby
  • Philip Weston
  • William Gidman
  • Charles Loudon
  • Lucie Cavoizy
  • Serena Brown
  • Laihann Mitchell
  • Barry
• Host Country Participants