Venturers take part in unique 10 - week or 5 - week expeditions in countries all over the world including India , Costa Rica & Nicaragua and Borneo throughout the year. People from all walks of life work together in remote places. They work with young people from that country and alongside local workers on much needed community and environmental projects. They also test themselves on tough challenges encountered during the programmes.
Every Raleigh expedition offers unique experience and challenging working environment to venturers. They will work in unfamiliar surroundings on a series of projects which have genuine community, environmental or scientific benefits to the local communities.
With basic living conditions and often harsh environments, Raleigh expeditions challenge personal commitment, endurance and courage; Venturers gain an inner strength from triumph over the elements or pride in the successful completion of a project.
Each expedition is divided into three project phases and each phase lasts for 3 weeks:
Community Work
To most Venturers, the greatest satisfaction comes from having the opportunity to work with local communities on projects beneficial to them. The community works range from assisting health authorities with building medical clinics to building bridges and schools.
Sustainable Projects
Projects are often proposed by the governments of host countries and Raleigh provides an enthusiastic and highly motivated group of Venturers to complete the projects. Raleigh may work alongside volunteer surgeons from the U.S. based charity Surgical Eye Expedition (SEE) International. Venturers carry out surveys of rural populations, screening them for eye disorders such as cataracts, set up clinics and assist with sight-restoring surgery. Also, Raleigh works with international, national, non-governmental organizations such as WWF India, and builds long-term partnerships the government departments of host country to make sure that all projects are sustainable and make a difference.
Environmental & Scientific Researches
Environmental projects provide opportunity to Venturers to work with scientists and environmental managers on field -base projects. Raleigh works closely with national park and wildlife authorities and often assists with the development of the infrastructure and survey works for national parks.
Raleigh also provides support for scientific research projects during which Venturers work with geologists, biologists, glaciologists and other natural scientists assisting researches in different environments in the expedition countries . Working on these projects gives Raleigh Venturers the chance to contribute in a practical way towards the study and management of some of the world's most remarkable ecosystems, including tropical and temperate rainforests, deserts and savannahs. Also, the projects help arouse Ventures' awareness of the importance of environmental conservation.
Leaving only footprints, taking only photos and memories
All our volunteers are trained on how to minimise their environmental impacts whilst on expedition. We also educate volunteers on the culture and development of the local communities. We do this through discussions and talks from local NGOs as well as staff. We only take away memories.
Adventure
The adventure project aims to challenge the Venturers both physically and mentally. It gives them a chance to breakthrough their physical limits and develop their determination and confidence. Adventure projects always require group's efforts to solve unpredictable difficulties. Venturers learn about the importance of teamwork. Most Venturers find this section of the expedition extremely rewarding. Upon completion of the phase, they feel a great sense of achievement.
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