Bermuda may be a small island but it is full of unsung heroes — inspirational residents who are making a real difference in their communities and improving the lives of others, without expecting any recognition or praise. In a new regular feature, we want to celebrate the incredible achievements of the ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things.

Helping Bermuda’s youngsters to reach their full potential can be an ambitious task, but it is one that Jason Rhind takes in his stride.

The 28-year-old Bermudian devotes much of his spare time to volunteering with youth organisations — and while it isn’t making him rich, the rewards are priceless.

“I really enjoy working with young people,” Mr Rhind said. “A lot of people generalise about Bermuda’s young people and forget the fact that even if they have gotten into trouble or could be considered ‘at risk’ of getting into trouble, these youngsters are going through the same things we all go through. They want the same things we want.

“Take the time to engage with them, don’t make them out to be bad people.”

Mr Rhind, of Smith’s, works with Raleigh Bermuda, a funded personal development programme for Bermudians between the ages of 17 and 25.

The charity brings young people to work together regardless of their social background and culture. The programme is designed to challenge them to exceed their aspirations, believe in themselves and be inspired to make the world a better place.

Participants train for months ahead of a 10-week summer expedition overseas, which helps them to develop teamwork, survival skills and self-confidence.

While abroad, they work with youth volunteers from across the globe to improve the lives of those in need.

Mr Rhind took part in the Raleigh programme in 2011, travelling to India for 10 weeks.

“I was living in a village building toilets,” he said. “We were also digging trenches and installing electric fences around a farm to keep pests from coming in and destroying the crops.

“The following summer I went to Costa Rica and Nicaragua as a project manager with Raleigh. We were doing work in a national park and built a gravity feed water system for a village.

“They were great experiences, especially getting to lead the groups in Costa Rica and Nicaragua and working with the young people.”

Since then, Mr Rhind has remained an active and dedicated part of the Raleigh team — part of the organisation’s “alumni” — helping those about to go on expedition to prepare by helping out at training camps, and getting involved in community projects here in Bermuda, such as clean-ups.

“I’m really passionate about working with Raleigh — it’s a really amazing programme and Bermuda is really fortunate to have it,” he said. “You can work with young people and give them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I would definitely encourage those who know young people who would benefit from it to get them involved.

“Early in the summer we partnered with Keep Bermuda Beautiful and did a clean-up in the West End. We’re always looking for projects to help the community and the environment.

“We source things to do but are always willing to work with people if they want to get involved.

“Raleigh also wants to start up a social enterprise that’s going to be run by the alumni. We want to give tours around the Island, talking about wildlife and plants and history.

“Part of Raleigh is about being sustainable, so we would incorporate aspects of that, highlighting conservation and environmental issues.

“It would be for tourists and locals, everyone who is interested.

“The alumni will run the project and it will give those involved the opportunity to make some money — a lot are looking for work or still in school, so this would really benefit the youth of the Island.”

Mr Rhind has also volunteered with Outward Bound, based on Paget Island, which provides outdoor education and activities that are designed to help people discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others, and the world around them through challenging experiences in unfamiliar settings.

“They focus on teamwork and exercise in Bermuda,” he said. “It’s a metaphor for life — there are challenges people are able to overcome and they are doing more than they think they are capable of.

“I worked with Outward Bound last summer and helped out a bit throughout the year. I was hoping to work with them this summer but they had police and police recruits working there.

“I’m interested in getting involved with any organisation that works with young people, preferably some sort of outdoor project.”

Mr Rhind admitted he “made some mistakes” when he was young but Raleigh and his time with Bermuda Regiment “gave me direction and put me on a good path”.

“I want to stop children making the wrong choices I did,” said Mr Rhind, now a lance corporal. “If I can’t always be a good example I can be a warning.

“When I was younger, Raleigh and Regiment might have prevented me making mistakes and the choices I did.

“This will be my fourth year in Regiment. I was a conscript, completed my mandatory time and volunteered on, I really enjoy it.

“It helped me put things into perspective although that’s not always the case — it comes down to the individual. What you get out of it is what you put in.

“Stuff I’ve learned at Raleigh I can bring over to Regiment. I really enjoy the teaching aspect and helping to train cadets.”

Mr Rhind describes himself as “between work” and “working part-time with Raleigh” as well as volunteering — but he has admirable ambitions.

“I’ve been trying to find something full-time in the charity sector,” he said. “But I’ve also been looking at going overseas to school to do a degree in outdoor education, I’d like to go into it full-time.

“But I’d definitely recommend giving up some time to volunteer.”

For more information about Raleigh Bermuda, visit www.raleigh.bm or e-mail info@raleigh.bm

Do you know an Unsung Hero? Call Leanne on 278-0157 or e-mail lmcgrath@royalgazette.com