The aim of Raleigh International Bermuda is to help young people discover their full potential.

The organisation sends young Bermudians to developing nations to work with other young people on challenging environmental and community projects.

Participants in Raleigh International Bermuda (RIB) tend to go to either Malaysia or Namibia and The Royal Gazette spoke with some of the venturers about their experiences.

Last year Atiya Symonds, Alana Burchell, Alex Dill, Antoine Williams, Terrina Nolan and Taneah Bean all went to Malaysia.

The Namibia team consisted of Deshun Richardson, Kacey Smith, Kelly Savery, Nakia Foggo, Tomika Easton and Terrieka Simmons.

Some of the stories that they came back with are harrowing, but they all tend to have one common vein — each venturer had to reach within themselves to overcome one challenge or another.

For one it was climbing to the top of the mountain when his legs would not allow it, while for others it was learning to deal with eating the same things everyday.

Once the young people are selected by Raleigh International, they go through nine months of vigorous training in Bermuda to prepare for their time abroad.

Last year the venturers did a one-week training camp on Paget Island, a five-day survival camp at Spittal Pond and then another training camp with the Bermuda Regiment.

“I was glad for that training because it really helped when we were out in the field,” venturer Alex Dill told The Royal Gazette.

Mr. Dill, who went to Malaysia, said that when the venturers left an area the children would cling to them and cry, which was emotionally trying.

“We were trying to hold it in and they get to you,” he said.

Many of the venturers experience something akin to culture shock as well.

“First of all being in Malaysia was a big cultural change then having to deal with people from the UK was difficult for us because we were some of the only black people out there.

“And when we arrived at Gatwick we realised that we were the only black kids there and we thought, ‘we guys have to stick together’.

“But once we got out there and got amongst the groups and got to know each other it was pretty much alright. There was some racism, but it was something that you tend to get over.

“You are going to be yourself and you are not going to let anyone stop you from having such a good experience.”

The venturers that were in Borneo had face some core fears — like crossing rope and wooden bridges.

“We crossed a lot of them,” Mr. Dill said after admitting to being seriously terrified. “But we got used to it. At first we were like, ‘oh crap’, but after seeing a villager ride across on his moped, then we were like, ‘we’re cool’.”

Among their tasks in the area was to establish a safe water system for the village.

“We had to build a dam first in the stream or river and then run pipes to the village where there was an 800-gallon tank,” said Mr. Dill.

“Basically coming from Bermuda, where we have just about everything and then going out there — I think all of us have said it — we just take things for granted.

“After doing this project, which was treacherous because it was so hot out there and then to carry tanks and cement bags up mountain terrain at times we felt like slaves in as far as the labouring work.

“But after completing it and looking back, we think, ‘we really did make a difference to that village’. To see how thankful they were and tears were in their eyes, especially the older women.

“They are just very thankful.”

The volunteer work also gave the venturers the opportunity to make many new friends, however.

“I got some of the children’s addresses so that I can send them some pictures, but it will be kind of hard for them to write back,” Mr. Dill said. While in Borneo, the venturers also went on a 12-day trek.

“This was up mountain terrain for three days and then down mountain terrain,” said Mr. Dill.

“And one day when we were trekking it started (pouring) with rain and there were hurricane winds. Tall trees were bending and you couldn’t hear anybody. It was all you and you were just thinking about yourself and telling yourself to keep going.”

They also did river crossings and at some points the water was up to their chests. At the end of that expedition, Mr. Dill met up with fellow Bermudian Atiya Symonds in the Danum Valley, a conservation area. The two were able to share a moan about the limited diet for venturers. Oats for breakfast and freshly picked pineapples for dessert were the staples.

“They gave us cans of tuna fish and crackers and that is what we mostly ate,” Mr. Dill said.