Before leaving their country for the wilds of Malaysia and Namibia, nine young people shared their hopes and concerns for their upcoming trip with Young Observer.

Between the ages of 17 and 20, they are part of Raleigh International’s ten-week expeditions where they will be taught to recognise their full potential through physical, mental and emotional challenges.

The four going to Namibia spent two days in London where they were able to compose some thoughts on what they expect and hope to get out of the trip.

Shakira Jones, Erik Simmons, Jamel Harvey and Melvin Simons, Jr. all said they were really excited about the ten weeks ahead of them.

Erik, who will be trekking 240kms through the river beds of the Goantagab and Ugab rivers, said: “Today, I am ready and excited to be going, because I know this experience will help me be a better person.”

While Shakira added: “I’m scared, because I don’t know exactly what’s going to be in store for us. But overall, I know I’ll be in Namibia helping out the natives live their lives a little better and easier and that’s my joy.

“So Bermuda don’t worry — I promise that Jamel, Erik, Melvin and I will represent Bermuda in a positive manner.”

Jamel, who will be building a permanent school in the north of Namibia, said: “I’m glad I’m going, because this is an opportunity that will not come again and will be remembered for the rest of my life.

“I hope I have fun, and help people that are less fortunate then me. I know helping people will benefit me.”

While Melvin, who will be building a playground for those who have been marginalised due to having HIV and AIDS, wanted to give his thanks to those who worked hard to get him into the programme.

He also offered some advice to the rest of the Island. “I hope that I have a good time and stay out of trouble,” he said. “Bermuda is the best place in the world — there is no comparison.”

“I just wish Bermudians would stop taking advantage of it, because they truly don’t know what other places are like and they really need to realise that. I pray and wish for that.

“Many thanks to Gerald Fubler and Kevin Hughes for getting a brat like me into the Raleigh programme. I will do my best and represent to the fullest our country and parish, Sandys.”

These ten-week Raleigh expeditions are at the end of a year-long programme that first trains the participants and then takes them to Namibia and Malaysia where they work on community and environmental projects in developing villages.

Unfortunately the five young people going to Malaysia — Sade Fox, Travonte Saunders, Tamesha Wolfe, Shellvina Caines, and Kenny Pearman — were unable to take some time to jot down their thoughts before their expedition.

They arrived in Malaysia on July 5 to work on building a school hostel, a kindergarten, a bridge and a camp as well as participating in adventure projects which include trekking, scuba diving and mountain climbing. Young Observer hopes to do a follow-up interview with participants when the return to the Island.