Youth join hands to help villagers
Asked what attracts her to volunteer for Raleigh Borneo, Rachel says it’s the nature documentaries on Borneo which she saw on TV.
Although Sabah’s natural beauty has attracted her, Rachel admits that she’s come to learn about and appreciate the local community she has been living near and working with.
“The people are very generous. They are genuinely kind and friendly. They even bring us bananas and coconuts everyday,” she says, referring to the residents of Kampung Pandan.
It is while talking to Rachel that I learn more about Raleigh Borneo’s other projects, namely its Environmental and Adventure Leadership projects.
I find the latter particularly interesting, as the Adventure Leadership teaches the venturers to work together to complete a 16-day trek through the Crocker Range while also learning survival skills from experienced guides.
three DecaDes in saBah
Gathering under a makeshift tent near an open field, there is a small celebratory ceremony for a job well done by all participants.
James, the Kampung Pandan village head, gives a heartfelt speech, thanking each and everyone involved for helping to provide his village access to clean water.
Sue Hennessey, Country director of Raleigh Borneo, announces the continuation of the Clean Water for Communities work in partnership Coca-Cola Foundation.
“We are particularly pleased to extend our work in Borneo for another two years,
Sally’s Coop, the venturer’s base camp.
Making their way through the village.
Relaxing on a hammock at base camp.
as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Raleigh’s work in Sabah this year. Raleigh Borneo will continue to work with young people as partners and leaders in developing and delivering water, sanitation and hygiene (Wash) programmes in rural communities across Sabah, contributing to the achievement of Global Goal #6 — Clean water and sanitation for all,” she says.
“The funding will enable young people, such as Raleigh volunteers, to deliver Wash infrastructure and support local communities by enabling them to understand water in the context of the wider environment. Through this approach they will be empowered to develop their own solutions and adapt to climatic and environmental changes which threaten livelihoods, biodiversity, water supplies and their way of life.
“Young people can be powerful catalysts for change and they can improve the quality of services, increase inclusion and collaboration, bring the spark of innovation and make sure that no one is left behind. At Raleigh Borneo, we believe that when local communities and young people work side by side to create positive changes, it empowers them, and it’s the energy and motivation of empowered people that creates lasting change,” adds Hennessey.
Sitting on the grass, watching the venturers perform the Sumazau, a traditional Kadazandusun dance they learnt from the villagers, I sincerely hope that Raleigh Borneo as well as Coca-Cola Foundation will continue their work for many more years to come.
It has been an eye-opening experience to see how the Venturers lived and worked to create lasting change, not just towards the local communities they visit but also within themselves. Adventure can be altruistic, and this visit has taught me that.