Young Bermudians Adventure Abroad
Seven young Bermudians, aged 17-22, are currently on the adventure of a lifetime – ten weeks in either India or Malaysia as part of the Raleigh Bermuda programme.
Executive Director Kristin White explains, “Since Raleigh Bermuda’s inception in 2005, we’ve run a fully funded year long personal development programme for young Bermudians. The programme has always started in January/February, with training and coaching, and then the participants head overseas for expedition during the summer.
“As part of a strategic expansion, we decided to add a second programme, which will begin in September, and then the participants will join the winter expedition.
“We ran a pilot of this programme, and worked with small group of young people. It was a great success and now we have 7 people overseas to join Raleigh expeditions in India and Malaysia.”
The group in Malaysia left on January 25, and the group in India left on February 9, and are currently completing their training and will begin projects next week. Prior to leaving, the group wrote their final thoughts about what they were hoping to get out of the experience, which appear below.
Justin Cann [age 20]
Justin is currently on his Community phase, and building a Kindergarten in the small village of Mandurian Laut. He said, “Wow! It’s finally that time! I’m excited to find out what this journey has in store for me, where will I go, what will I see, what will I experience and who will I meet along the way?
“I will embrace it, I can’t wait to give back, and experience the culture & people of Malaysia. I feel I will thrive on this experience & the opportunities that lay ahead for me. I’m always happy to meet genuine people who are positive influences to me and inspire me to succeed in life, discarding negativity.
“There’s some who I have already encountered and they know who they are and I’m grateful for them. I’m tired of the violence, negativity and mind games that people can play – it’s not Bermuda that needs to change but the people in it!
“So once I move on in life bettering myself along the way, I will hope to meet like-minded people who appreciate truth and accept me for who I am – a unique individual who is “designed with a purpose, programmed to succeed, destined for greatness” with a positive mindset and full of energy that will be embraced not restricted.
“Raleigh Bermuda has changed my life in many ways & I wish to change other lives along the way! Thank You all For Your Love & Support! God is Good Always! See You In 72 days. Some will be missed & Some will be dismissed! See You Later!”
James Lee [age 22]
James is on his Community phase, and has started building a Gravity Water System to provide vital fresh water to the small village of Imusan. He said, ” Raleigh has been an amazing experience. Throughout the duration of this team building, self awakening and eye opening course I’ve met some phenomenal individuals and done unbelievable things.
“The future is still unwritten, but yet I look forward to the challenges untold and the people I am yet to meet. The friends and family I have bonded with during my time with Raleigh Bermuda will remain in my heart forever.
“And I am eager to create new bonds, friendships and family with Raleigh International in Malaysia. Helping others on far away places has always been something I would watch or see on TV and movies. Now I’m actually getting the chance to do it with others my own age. I hope I can reach all that is expected of me and that I expected of myself. Here’s to new friends, family and Raleigh. -
Lucas Kessaram [age 19]
Lucas is performing a bio-diversity study in the secondary rainforest in the Pitas Region as part of his environmental project. He said, “Raleigh came at the perfect time for me. Just as I decided to take a year off from university, this amazing journey presented itself.
“It has allowed me to try new things and meet different people, helping to shape me into a more well-rounded and complete individual. I’m excited for the next stage of Raleigh, as I am sure my adventures in Malaysia will continue to transform me as a person. I anxiously look forward to finding out what the future has in store for me.|
Luke Kessaram [far left] walks to his project site in Malaysia:
Wolde Jones [age 18]
I can’t believe it’s almost time to go. I’ve come this far and it’s finally hit me. I’m heading to India not knowing what to expect, so I’m heading to India not knowing what to fear. I’m afraid I’m going to get there and whatever I thought is going to be totally different. It’s only a matter of time before I’m in India with a bunch of people that may or may not like me, but if I’m me I know they will like me.
Mandisa Smith [age 20]
“Before Raleigh I was quick to give up, always procrastinating with everything and didn’t see much potential in myself. But after the last few months of camps, one-to-ones, and other activities, I am a gogetter. I tend to be inspirational to others. I have worked on my procrastination (still have a lot of work to do).
“I have ambition which is going to push me to reach my full potential or even go beyond. I am very excited about expedition and the new person I may evolve into over the 10 weeks in India. I’m definitely ready to meet other amazing people who will make a difference in my life positively and vice versa. I’m ready to be beyond extraordinary, ready for a new positive me.”
Mandisa Smith [5th from right] is pictured below with her training group in India:
Shaquille Smith [age 19]
“At this moment, I am mostly nervous about taking this trip. There are so many things that I think about ,that run through my mind constantly, such as snakes, other dangerous animals and insects, and even falling off of mountains.
“Basically anything that could potentially harm me! But as time moves forward, and the date of my departure comes ever closer, I also feel more and more excited. Overall, I know that this upcoming experience will be one of the greatest experiences I will ever have.”
Chyna Harvey [age 17]
“This is my last time with the group with Raleigh before I am off to India. I am happy to say I am apart of Raleigh Bermuda. I am a little scared because I have no clue what India is like but I am lucky to say I am going and I made it this far.”
Congratulations to all of you. Stay focused and totally believe in yourself and you will achieve the goals set for you. Stay true to yourself and enjoy the adventures and experiences. Blessings.
Congrats to all of you. Your parents must be proud of you all for stepping out of your comfort zones and giving back to this tiny planet! I hope my girls do something similar when they are at a similar age.
This is such a wonderful and positive program! I’m happy to see so many young people willing to participate.
I would like to thank “Raleigh Bermuda” for taking our children/youth under their wings. They have turned our children’s lives around (Justin Cann & Mandisa Smith). We are truly grateful. Wish u all the best with your winter expedition. Safe return guys – miss you mom
Congratulations to Justin Cann and Mandisa Smith. What a great opportunity. Keep up the good work. I’m very proud of you.