Blog

Our blogs are written by our volunteers in each country to give you a flavour of what life is like on our programmes. Filter by Country, Programme and Subject/Theme to find out more.

Countries
Programmes
Subjects/Themes
Creating sustainable rural livelihoods in Nepal

Raleigh International Nepal focuses on livelihoods diversification (agriculture) and rural entrepreneurship development by mobilising its young volunteers in rural communities of Nepal. Pralita and Roban - our ICS national volunteers from Spring Cycle, 2019, Gorkha - discuss their impactful experience of working with the rural community in Chapthok.

July 2, 2019
Change Starts Here

Arriving from all over, a group of international volunteers and project managers, committed to creating positive lasting change, have joined Raleigh's ongoing youth-driven development programme in Costa Rica. Having worked in partnership with local communities since 2001, Raleigh’s in-country team is currently focusing on sustainable development goals centred towards quality, education and life on land.

These objectives, consistent with Costa Rica's shared vision of inclusion, growth and sustainability, will serve as the basis for all projects carried out in the coming months. Led by a team based in Turrialba and the expedition project managers, 80 young volunteers aged between 17 and 24 will participate in youth-driven initiatives, delivering development projects and immersing themselves in local cultures and practices to help foster lasting change.

July 2, 2019
Former volunteer leading climate action in Scotland: ‘It’s 30 years since I volunteered with Raleigh International, but I still carry its legacy even now.’

Raleigh alumnus Mike Robinson has spent over 20 years advocating for action on climate change and working across Scotland to make substantial shifts in policy and practice. In his own words, Mike shares his journey from Raleigh volunteer to Chief Executive of the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, one that has seen him change Scottish law and influence countless groups and organisations into effecting meaningful environmental change.

June 13, 2019
Young Tanzanians use new skills to identify causes of unhealthy hygiene behaviours

For two weeks, 30 employees from our corporate partner RB are collaborating with 30 young Raleigh Tanzania Society (RTS) volunteers through our ‘Healthier Lives; Happier Homes’ project. Volunteers will be utilising their skills and knowledge of the local context to help RB employees find ways to boost the uptake of healthy hygiene and sanitation behaviours and stop the spread of easily preventable illnesses in rural communities.

June 3, 2019
Raleigh Tanzania and RB: Helping young people change behaviours and create healthier communities

Raleigh Tanzania and RB have joined forces in a two-year partnership which will help create healthier communities in rural Tanzania. As part of the company’s Global Volunteer Challenge programme, RB employees will be working with current Raleigh Tanzania volunteers to prevent the spread of easily preventable illnesses in communities by finding ways to boost the uptake of healthy hygiene and sanitation behaviours.

May 9, 2019
Opening Ceremony for Mkamba’s JOA funded SWASH Projects

Raleigh Tanzania WASH Project Officer Tino Dickson and Deputy Operations Coordinator Mica Lam joined the Raleigh volunteers in Mkamba village where the atmosphere is palpable. The school grounds are overrun with excited children and school teachers in colourful matching katange, who, despite being on their Easter break, have all remained in village to show support for the opening ceremony of the newly completed sanitation facilities at Juhudi Primary School.

May 2, 2019
The Past, Present and Future of La Marta Wildlife Refuge

The man of the morning and the subject of our interview is Manuel Víquez, otherwise known as Don Manuel. He is the current director of La Marta and officially works for ‘Castro Carazo University’, who were given control of La Marta in 1991.

April 26, 2019
Easing the load: Yaya’s story

“My husband left our house when our son was 2 years old. He never came back. I had to look after our child alone. He is 30 years old now. When he was young he used to ask me where his Dad was, but I didn’t have any answer. I used to cry on my own. I don’t know if he’s still alive but I still watch out for him. I still hope that one day he will come, I will wait for him till my last breath.”

Post by Expedition volunteer Sunita Lama Gole

April 20, 2019