Young Bermudians learn life lessons while working on schools and farms for the world's poorest nations

It has been an unforgettable summer for the eight young Bermudians who took part in Raleigh International expeditions this year.

Exploring the world helped them discover new qualities in themselves.

The group returned to Bermuda last month agreeing that the experience had changed their lives.

Some of them were from tough backgrounds, others had been involved in anti-social behaviour, some just wanted to see the world.

Sanctuary

All had to graduate from a year-long programme in Bermuda before qualifying to travel to far-flung destinations and work with volunteers and gap-year students from all over the world on various projects.

Each spent 10 weeks in their chosen country. The time was split between an environmental project, like working at an orangutan sanctuary, a community project, such as building a school in a poor community, and a trek.

“This was an amazing opportunity for them to see the world,” said Kristin White, executive director of Raleigh Bermuda.

The young people, from a variety of backgrounds, had to fundraise a minimum of $500 towards the cost of the trip.

Five Bermudians went to India, two to Borneo and one to Costa Rica and Nicaragua.

They helped to build a pre-school for underprivileged kids in India, a marketplace for tradesmen in Borneo and a community centre for villagers in Nicaragua.

Mrs. White said: “Some of these young people are coming from a life where they have not had much they can feel proud of.

“Now they know there is a strength they can tap into for the rest of their lives.

“They can say, ‘I crossed that desert, I built that school, I did something positive for someone halfway around the world’.”

Mrs. White said Raleigh Bermuda attracts young people at a crossroads in their lives.

Adventure

The organization visits schools, adult education centres and youth groups and talks to parents and counsellors about potential recruits.

Mrs. White said: “There is a personal development side to it. It can be someone who has been involved in anti-social behaviour but it could also be someone who lacks confidence or has reached a plateau in their life and is looking for adventure.

“All we are really looking for is commitment. We are not turning people away because they are not ‘at risk’ enough.

“It is a very mixed group. We’re looking to provide a life changing experience.”

Raleigh Bermuda is a yearlong development programme for young people aged

17-25, culminating in a 10-week overseas voyage.

The young people involved this year were Colita Dunlop, 18 (Costa Rica/Nicaragua); Daniel Cabral, 20, Kiana Franks, 17, Reuna Richardson, 17, Sacha-Li Franks, 17, Taylor Eve, 19, (all India); Trenaye Trott, 18, Mica Fubler, 20, (Borneo). For more information or to get involved see www.raleigh.bm.