"So when are you going on Expedition ah?"
The above is a sure-fire question to any new Raleigh (RIKL) member(s) during any post-IW (Introduction Weekend) yumcha sessions.
(Yeah, I've never been on any IW, but I've been to enough (though not many) yumcha sessions to know well enough *winks*)I read an article in The Star (Youth 2) today about the joint project between UNDP and Honda in order to provide youths in the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak (indigenious communities, in particular) with an opportunity to further their education post-SPM.
http://thestar.com.my/youth2/story.asp?file=/2008/3/19/youth2/20080318174904&sec=youth2I can't help but to think of the impact of the Raleigh projects on the lives of these communties. Yes, we may build schools, community halls and kindergartens in the interiors of Sabah all purported to be in the the benefits of the local communities. We may also do environmental research projects, clean sea-beds, clear hiking trials; again purported to be for the benefit of the community and for the environment as a whole. But, to what extent do our contribution help towards improving the lives of the communities in rural Sabah?
Raleigh has received flak from some parties (read it somewhere, but can't retrace the source now) who argued that such projects take away job opportunities of the locals instead of creating existing ones for them. They are left with a reduced avenue of income, as the job opportunities created by such construction projects are taken over by a bunch of youths, who are there only for 10 weeks.
I am adamant that the pros outweigh the cons. Hence, do not let these criticisms put you off joining a Raleigh expedition; for the reasons laid down below:
1. Yes, admittedly such programmes may take away the local's source of income. But only marginally. Locals are still involved in such projects to a certain extent.
2. Plus, building kindergartens, schools, libraries would provide locals with better facilities to facilitate their access to education, which in return would improve the lives of the community (as a whole).
3. The creation of new hiking trials etc, would create job opportunities for locals. Particularly in the eco-tourism industry.
4. Environmental research - need I say more?
Thus, to the prospective venturers out there (if any), do think about your main aims of going on an Expedition. And I sincerely hope that your reasons for going on one is for the noble intention of improving the lives of the communities and environment in Sabah, and not merely for personal pursuits.
Yes, I know of some individuals who would like to go on an Expedition (5, 7, or 10 week) merely because it is
"Wow, so cool to be in the jungle for 10 weeks!""OMG, I love outdoor activities!" "Cool! I get to climb Mt. K and gain a Open Water Diving Licence during that 10 weeks!" or simply because
"Yay! I enjoy meeting new people (esp. angmohs! *doh!*)"I would be the first to admit that I
(post-SPM, when I first conceived the ideas of going on a Raleigh expedition) was one who thought of, "Wow I like the outdoors, and it would be so cool to spend 10 weeks in the jungle with new people from all around the world!"
(Yeah, I was that shallow!)8 years down the road, I think there's more to the crazy jungle adventure out there! Thus, to all prospective venturers, do think about your motivations for going on an expedition. And I assure you, your experience will be more worthwhile!
As for me, I've fundraised with the intention of going on Expedition (Autumn 2007) only to pull out last-minute due to CLP commitments!
(A decision that I've no regrets on, in fact it was a wise one!)However, I've learnt a lot from the Fundraising events and just from helping out in the December IW (didn't do much except for taking a few phone calls).
Speaking to new members and ex-venturers have indeed been an eye-opener towards my personal reasons for going on an expedition. Most emphasise on the cool adventure, beautiful scenery and experiences during the 10 weeks in Sabah. But, I'm sure, behind those beautiful tales, there are some untold/hidden tales of personal growth and development coupled with a sense of fulfilment and achievement, knowing that they have done something to improve the lives of people in Sabah.
Ex-venturers, do think about what you have done in Sabah, and let me know if I'm right.
Hence, I'm sure that come May 2008, when I submit my application for the 5 weeker in July, my personal statement would definitely be a lot more different from the pretty much self-centered one I wrote in February 2007! *touchwood, no more unforeseen obstacles!*
Raleigh is NOT only about going on expedition, and the whole obsession about going on expedition should take a back-seat in preference for other aims.
1. Community Development
2. Environmental Conservation
3. Personal Growth
4. Youth Development
5. Special Interest Groups
All these, taken cummulatively would make Raleigh a much more worthwhile experience altogether.
-LV-
*regrettably, unable to participate in most RIKL activities due to overwhelming CLP commitments...
Noodles + Fishball + Siew Pak Choy
Complete with Cili padi of course! But I'm one of the few weird fellas who just use them for the spicy tinge... Don't take them directly. The 'green' taste is revolting! :P 
In comparison to what I usually come up with...
