25th April 2014
After ten unforgettable weeks, expedition Borneo 14C has come to a close. The expedition end was marked by a fantastic closing ceremony on Monday hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Sabah.
Borneo 14C volunteers and permanent staff were honoured by the attendance of the Minster of Youth and Sport, Sabah and project partners Asian Forestry Company, Yayasan Sabah, Borneo Divers, Asia Ability, Coca Cola, Special Olympics Sabah, Partners Across Community Organisations Sabah (PACOS), as well as friends of Raleigh Borneo
The celebrations got under way with a formal dinner. The evening was filled with cultural music dancing from the incredible Sabah Cultural Troupe. The Minister and country director Mac then addressed the audience with inspirational speeches congratulating everyone on their achievements over the last 10 weeks. We then viewed a fantastic expedition slideshow of vivid photographs that documented the experience. This was produced our expedition photographer Carol and allowed everyone to look back on the expedition and re-live this incredible experience. The evening was brought to a close with an electrifying Murat warrior dance.
While the projects may be over, the legacy will live on. Over the last 10 weeks, Raleigh volunteers provided sustainable solutions that address profound problems faced by marginalised
rural communities in Northern Borneo, such as lack of sanitation, access to water and education. They set forth deep in the jungle working in partnership with environmental organisations improving infrastructure that will allow conservation projects to flourish.
And not to forget, they have learnt to dive the depths of the sea and pushed themselves to their physical limits trekking through the jungle.
Conquering fears, developing leadership skills, working as teams, overcoming obstacles, discovering hidden strengths, and making lifelong friendships; this was their Raleigh experience. This was their time.
So finally, after ten weeks, this phenomenal group of young people and volunteer managers waved their good-bye to Sabah, the Land Beneath the Wind. Through grit and determination they grew stronger as each phase passed. They showed team-work and leadership, heart and perseverance. They all prevailed. Respectful, hard-working and enthusiastic; they are all a credit to themselves. It has been a privilege to meet all of them.
I hope you will all join me in following the future work of Raleigh Borneo. Raleigh’s vision is to support and be involved in sustainable projects that will positively impact environments and communities. Projects that will endure for generations.
This is the final blog – so on behalf of the expedition 14C, thanks for reading about our great adventure.
Terimah Kasih dan Jumpa Lagi!
John
