Training mini-medics in India

Raleigh India has started a health education programme to help students at local schools to stay fit and healthy.

Armed with bars of soap and jerry cans of water, Raleigh volunteers have been training two "Mini-Medics" from each class to look after their classmates and make sure they are keeping themselves and their environment clean and healthy. 

Take a look at some of the beautiful photos from one of the training days and find out more about the seven steps of hand washing.
 

Join our board of Trustees

Following an external review of the governance of Raleigh International, the Board has agreed that it wants to recruit a number of new UK based Trustees. In particular it is interested in alumni representation, although it is not essential. 

We are hoping that the new Trustees will be recommended for appointment at the AGM of the Board on 24th March 2011. To find out more about the application process, please click here. The deadline for applications is 23rd January 2011.

World Water Day 2011

Water is a basic requirement for life. Yet 900 million people live without access to a basic supply of drinking water.

On the 22 March 2011, thousands of people around the world will be championing the voice of the unheard to put an end to water poverty, and we’re calling on the Raleigh community to come out in force.

We want YOU to use the power of photography to help raise awareness about the impact of water scarcity. All you need are a few expedition photos, tales from your community, a sprinkling of hard truths about the global lack of access to water, and together, we can inspire hundreds to take action on water poverty.

Click here to view a photo story in action and get in touch with Shady to get involved at shady.bajelvand@raleigh.org.uk or on 020 7183 1270

Academics’ jungle visit launches the volunteer manager leadership qualification

Two Birkbeck academics slept under the stars in the Costa Rican jungle to launch a new Postgraduate Certificate in International Field Leadership, developed and delivered in partnership with Raleigh.

Professor Sue Jackson and Dr. Zhu Hua joined our Education and Development Advisor, Dr. Brandon Charleston and spent a week observing Raleigh’s experiential learning methodology, joining induction training, treks and even sleeping in hammocks under mosquito nets.

Read more about their adventure or why not apply for the qualification?

Raleigh runs two expeditions for Airbus employees

“Our expedition to Kudimery in Southern India has seriously been the most amazing, incredible, life-changing experience of my life. I am amazed at how much of an effect it has had on me and my daily life" Helen Barrow, Airbus UK

In September 2010, to acknowledge the UN’s year of Bio-Diversity, 16 Airbus employees set off for a 3-week expedition to construct biogas units in Southern India with Raleigh. The following month, a further 16 Airbus employees, from a total of 9 different countries, returned to continue the first group's work.

Read more about our new partnership with the Airbus Corporate Foundation or to find out how your company can work with Raleigh, email Teresa Fitzgerald, Head of Fundraising and Development at teresa.fitzgerald@raleigh.org.uk

Greetings from Bermuda!

"Raleigh Bermuda was founded by Michael Spurling in 2004. He was stunned by a violent youth riot that took place at the St. George’s Cricket Club, a stone’s throw from his home. It was this incident that motivated him to create Raleigh Bermuda.

Bermuda is a small island, only 21 sq miles, so without traveling outside of our shores, it’s possible to be completely unaware of what’s happening in the world. Thus, his goal was that Raleigh would provide young Bermudians with the opportunity to explore the world, learn more about themselves and help them to change their lives for the better."

Kristen White, Executive Director of Raleigh Bermuda provides an insight to the past, present and future of Raleigh in Bermuda. Continue reading here.

Looking for a fresh challenge in the new year?

"I went out to Costa Rica and Nicaragua in 2009 in the role of the artist...I loved my time there so much I stayed on for another expedition and worked with another fantastic group of people...now, I'm off to India in January with Raleigh again!"

If you need a new challenge for 2011, why not follow Becca's journey and join us again, with a reduced fundraising target for alumni, what's stopping you?

Read Becca's full story and get in touch to sign up for our expeditions departing this June and September. Remember as an alumni, there is a 10% reduction for your expedition fee.

Where are you now?

Nicola Lees joined us as a medic in Chile and Zimbabwe in 1993.  Little did she know how much it would impact her life.

Read Nicola's journey into the world of the BBC, National Geographic channel and getting her first book published.

Country update: India

This year, we unfortunately say goodbye to Anna Tate, our India Country Programme Manager. Her commitment, drive and infectious enthusiasm will be missed by all and we wish her all the best in the future.

Taking her place is Dr. Julia Mitchell, who has not only completed and led a number of expeditions with us, but researched and produced a report on the impact of our work on communities in India. 

Charity champion

Congratulations to Charlotte Ali, who received the Wales Echo Community Champion Awards for having spent the past 14 years volunteering to help others.

Not only has Charlotte been to Ghana and India with us, but she's been cooking away at our residentials for the last five years.

Become a Global Ambassador

If you want to use your experience to raise awareness about international development, our Global Ambassadors programme is just for you. 

Join us for a weekend of FairTrade baking, public speaking training, workshops, films and more.

Check out our website for more information or email ambassadors@raleigh.org.uk to sign up to one of the next training weekends on 15-16 January 2011 or 7-8 May 2011. Travel expenses, food and accommodation provided.

Recommend a friend to Raleigh and earn yourself £50!

It’s simple – as a returned volunteer, recommend a friend for our Graduate Bursary Award and if they are successful in gaining a place on expedition, we’ll give you £50! To find out more about the eligibility criteria for the bursary, click here.

Or you can email Amy Hoskins at amy.hoskins@raleigh.org.uk for more information.

Help spread the word

Raleigh is always looking for help to recruit Venturers and Volunteer Managers for our expeditions. If you would like to gain good presentation experience or just want to talk to people about your time on expedition, then please click here to see a list of our recruitment events for the next few months.

If you're interested in any of the events, please contact Josh or Rosie on info@raleigh.org.uk and we will provide you with more information.