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About us

Raleigh International has worked with young people worldwide for over 44 years.

Impacting young people for 44 years

Raleigh International has evolved (Operation Drake (1978 – 80), Operation Raleigh (1984 – 88) and Raleigh International Trust (1992 – 2022)), but it has and will always focus on supporting young people to act and create change for themselves, their communities, and the world.

Raleigh has proudly worked with more than 55,000 young people from over 100 countries, creating a global community dedicated to taking action towards a fair, inclusive, and green world where young people confront the planet’s most urgent crises.

“It helped enhance my leadership skills and I became a better me. Volunteering not only creates youth leaders but also inspires youth in the community to work.”

Peter | Raleigh Volunteer

VISION

To build a world of young adults as global citizens and leaders who have the skills and confidence to work with others to build a fair, inclusive and green world for everyone.

MISSION

To create life-enhancing journeys and transformational experiences for young people aged 17-24 where they can challenge themselves, disconnect from technology and connect with people and nature – all whilst making a long-lasting impact.

How does Raleigh International work with young people to create lasting change?

We work with young people through our international volunteer programme: Raleigh Expedition.

Our Expeditions

Our expeditions are youth-driven. Young people play a part in decision making and leading.

Service learning

Young people develop vital skills for the future and learn to reflect on their experiences.

Long-lasting impact

We work with communities to ensure projects are relevant to their needs, responsible and ethical. Volunteers work on sustainable solutions to poverty, low education levels, food insecurity, and unemployment.

Values

Pura Vida

The national saying of Costa Rica, it means ‘pure life’. It stands for living with optimism, humility, kindness and embracing life to the fullest.

Believe in yourself

You have the power to change the world around you. Fight self-doubt with bravery and belief, and you will surpass even your own expectations. 

Create impact, together

Our voices and actions are stronger together than apart. It is the power of connection, collaboration and unity that changes the world. 

Find the courage

Dig deep and walk courageously in spite of your anxieties, worries and fear. Stand up for what you believe is right.

Live open-minded

Listen and learn from the views of others and you will widen your horizons beyond measure. Embrace and nurture global and cultural differences to see the world in full colour.  

Never give up

When it gets hard, keep going. With perseverance and steadfast determination you can expand your limits, then even the greatest challenges can be overcome.

Challenges young people face today

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The Raleigh Impact

Over the years Raleigh has made some significant impacts on communities, the environment and people

100
Over 100,000 people now have long-lasting access to safe and accessible hygiene facilities and access to toilets, handwashing and drinking water.
74
of volunteers feel happier after being without their phones during Expedition. 63% said they had improved mental health.
65
Volunteers have built or rehabilitated more than 65km of trails and conservation infrastructure
500
Over 500 rural households supported to protect income from environmental challenges.