Raleigh celebrates International Volunteer Day
5 December 2008
Youth and education charity Raleigh is celebrating the efforts of its 30,000 volunteers on International Volunteer Day on 5 December.
Raleigh expeditions involve people from all walks of life, ages and nationalities to make a difference to communities and environments around the world. Through a combination of adventure and challenge, Raleigh projects inspire people to reach their full potential as global citizens.
Raleigh Chief Executive, Stacey Adams, said: "Raleigh is a social enterprise and since our launch in 1984 as Operation Raleigh, we have paved the way in using real, sustainable projects as vehicles for personal and professional development. We have inspired over 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to get out there and rise to the challenges of life on an expedition. As we approach our 25th anniversary year, we would like to thank all our volunteers for their work and commitment to communities around the world."
Five facts about Raleigh:
- Raleigh has a bespoke schools programme which enables pupils to experience life on expedition in Borneo, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and India.
Steve Powell, Assistant Head Teacher at Henry Compton Boys School who recently took part in a Raleigh expedition in India, said: "The pupils went on a fantastic personal journey. As the week progressed I saw an overall increase in the pupils maturity. They responded more to the challenges facing them and took up the task of organising themselves and the rest of the team. I feel they have all come back more enlightened and socially aware of cultural issues that face them and the world at present." - Raleigh works closely with youth agencies across the UK, such as Groundwork and Foyer Federation, so that together it can help young people from all walks of life benefit from a Raleigh expedition.
Colin Hay from Perth and Kinross Council who was named National Youth Worker of the Year 2008 recently attended a Raleigh Outdoor Adventure Residential (ROAR) which helps disadvantaged young people to prepare for their time overseas. Colin said: "I personally had the privilege of supporting a Raleigh ROAR recently. Over the past 18 years I been in involved in numerous residential programmes but I was extremely impressed with the ROAR. Over the past 18 months we have worked closely with Raleigh and sent two of our local young people on expedition. This has been a reward not only for the young people but also immensely for us as an organisation." - Raleigh has a permanent presence in each of its expedition countries. Long-term, sustainable and worthwhile projects are planned and carried out in partnership with local NGOs, government agencies and local communities.
Malaysian Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Peter Pang, recently visited a Raleigh community project in Tongod, Sabah. Peter said: "The progress of the gravity water feed here illustrates how successful Raleigh is providing valuable support to the community - both through the project itself as well as the cultural exchange." - Raleigh set up its Youth Forum in 2008 to provide an official channel to engage with young people and to ensure that their ideas and suggestions are heard.
Youth Forum member, Angharad Jones, who went on expedition with Raleigh in Namibia, said: "What really embodies Raleigh and makes it special for me, is everyone's positive attitude, energy, and genuine desire to see the fun and the best in everyone and everything. There is no failure, only work in progress. Do something well and everyone is happy for you, and proud because they all helped you get there. Fall short, and congratulations- you've found a foundation on which you can build something new." - Almost thirty per cent of venturers aged 17-24 come from overseas, with particular interest from Holland, Bermuda, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, as well as Asian countries such as Hong Kong and Malaysia.
Participants from all over the world take part in Raleigh expeditions, including young people from the host countries. Arya Raj, a Host Country Venturer from India, said: "It is very interesting to work with culturally different people. I have learnt more about European culture and European people. If you get a chance you must come and participate in the Raleigh life."
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Anne Grenyer
Press and Campaigns Manager
Raleigh
Tel: 020 7183 1298
Email: anne.grenyer@raleigh.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
Raleigh
Raleigh is a youth and education charity. Since 1984, our expeditions have inspired 30,000 people from all walks of life, nationalities and ages to be all they can be, helping them develop new skills and friendships and make a difference to communities and environments across the world.
We all have an expedition within us.
Find yours at raleighinternational.org
