Nicole's Volunteer Manager Experience: Raleigh Boosted My Confidence

In 2022, Nicole volunteered as a Volunteer Manager on a Raleigh Expedition in Nepal through Raleigh International’s corporate volunteer opportunities with her employer at Mazars. As a Volunteer Manager she supported young volunteers on water, sanitation and hygiene projects while also learning key skills to support her career.  

Before Raleigh I was working as an Assistant Manager at Mazars LLP in the Forensic and Valuations department. I decided to take part in the Raleigh Expedition programme as I was interested in travelling as well as improving my leadership skills in an environment outside my comfort zone. I was also particularly interested in the sustainability and awareness sessions held in community.   

During my time in Nepal I have completed a 19 day trek from Pokhara to Gorkha and also two 19 day projects phases in rural communities of Jaljale and Harda, located in the Makwanpur region of Nepal.

In these communities my team and I dug water pipelines to improve the access to safe water. We also held multiple awareness sessions on topics such as menstrual hygiene, hand washing techniques and waste management. These sessions were held in schools and with the women’s group. In Harda we also taught the community the importance of water purification and explained the methods that can be used.   

The pipelines we have built in these communities will allow the villagers to have access to water at all times of the day.  

Before this, they would only be able to collect water at certain times of the day, restricting their supply. We also assisted a stone mason with a tap stand for a household in the Harda community.  

Completing the Raleigh Expedition has improved my confidence leading teams.  

It has increased my awareness on waste management and the importance of water. The trek phase was my favourite part of the expedition where I was able to see incredible views of the Himalayas.  

After Raleigh, I will be returning to Mazars newly promoted to manager.   

I would encourage anyone who is looking for a challenge outside their usual comfort zone to complete Raleigh.  

The Expedition makes you realise your own physical and mental strength and is also a great opportunity to meet a range of different people from different backgrounds and cultures. It is also a great way to make an impact in communities where you can see the results first-hand.