Help me participate in my Raleigh International project

Hello. My name is Joe Harris and from the end of June until early September of this year I will be participating in Raleigh Internationals program in Costa Rica. Operation Raleigh, now known as Raleigh International, is a youth and sustainable development charity that organizes international volunteer expeditions for young people. They work in remote areas to address challenges like climate change, water and sanitation, and social inequality, empowering young people to create lasting change. Raleigh expeditions focus on hands-on sustainability projects that build skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose.

My project lasts 10 weeks in the rural areas of Costa Rica. The projects in Costa Rica focus around environmental conservation, developing community resilience and sustainability. The program is divided into 3 phases and I am lucky enough to be able to participate in all 3 phases.

The community phase is focused on improving access to education, infrastructure development, and public services. A key focus in Costa Rica is building schools so communities can thrive in the future, with the goal being to end to poverty due to improved access to education.

The local economic phase is aimed at raising awareness on responsible consumption and production with an aim to reduce deforestation in the country, which can also help support local bird species particularly those of the Caribbean coast (its North Coast). This often involves the help of local indigenous communities.

I will also be lucky enough to be able to participate in the adventure phase. This phase is where I will travel 260km through Costa Rica’s varying terrain including rainforest and mountainous regions, where I will visit rural communities.

I hope the whole experience will build my character, enabling me to become a more resilient person in unknown situations. I hope my previous experience in construction, as well as my interest in all things related to engineering, will stand me in good stead. It will also help me engage more meaningfully when we are constructing infrastructure for the community. I am also passionate about helping local wildlife, having loved all types of animals but only being allowed a tortoise as a family pet!. But more than my own personal growth, I also want to make a meaningful impact in Costa Rica’s community.

Unfortunately participating in this valuable charity work is expensive. I’ve worked hard to fund as much as I can by working as a security guard at Marks and Spencers (Chichester, UK) and as a windsurfing instructor in Auckland (New Zealand) but that has only raised enough for my flights and a small amount of the large expedition costs. If you can donate even a small amount I would be incredibly grateful as it helps me achieve my goals, and enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity.

I will keep you updated on my adventure!

Joe Harris

Bosham, Chichester, U.K