Taking part in Raleigh International activities has a very positive impact on the lives of the young people involved, according to new research.

That was the main point raised by Kristin White, executive director of Raleigh International Bermuda, who attended a reception in London, England, to celebrate the organisation's 25th anniversary and where new research was unveiled about the impact of the organisation's work especially on those children considered to be disadvantaged.

Key findings of the UK research were:

• 83 percent of survey respondents said Raleigh had a long-term impact on their personal development.

• 94 percent said their confidence in their own abilities increased as a result of participating.

• 89 percent reported an increased ability to lead or encourage others, and 87 percent an increased ability to work as part of a team.

• 94 percent recorded an increase in their understanding of other people's cultures and backgrounds.

• 73 percent reported their increased participation in volunteering activities as a result of their involvement with Raleigh.

Ms. White said: "We make special efforts to reach young Bermudians who could be considered at risk of not reaching their full potential by partnering with organisations including Mirrors, Probation Services, Adult Education, and YouthNet.

"Anecdotally, we have always known that our programme changes lives. Now, we have the research to prove it."

Currently, the Raleigh Bermuda programme has 14 young Bermudians, aged 17 to 21 enrolled. Their programme includes two residential training camps that teach the participants skills in team-building, communication, and outdoor survival.

After the two camps, the young people who have made noticeable progress in behaviour, work well with the team, and have fully participated in all aspects of the programme will be given a space in the overseas expedition to Sabah, in Malaysia.

For more information go to www.raleigh.bm