Belizean Raleigh volunteer goes to Africa

Every young Belizean who’s ever dared to take up the challenge of a Raleigh expedition knows how much hard work it is and….how much fun it can be. For one young man, working in Belize with Raleigh wasn’t enough, now he’s going to Africa. 19 year old Luis Novelo from Xaibe village in Corozal is the first Belizean to join a Raleigh expedition in Namibia, he says he’s excited about the work he’s going to be doing there.

Luis Novelo, Raleigh Expedition, Namibia

“I’ll be participating in many projects such as building schools and taking fresh water to small communities in Namibia and I’ll do a bit of trekking and I’ll be checking the population of cheetahs in Namibia.”

Janelle Chanona

“Tell me, why get involved with a project like this?”

Luis Novelo

“I’ve done Raleigh here before, that was in 1998, and I loved it. I’ve always wanted to go back and this is my opportunity to go do it again.”

Janelle Chanona

“How easy is it for other Belizeans to get involved with projects like the one Luis is going on?”

Rupert Miller

“With regards for Belize, it is so easy. That’s the great thing about Raleigh and the young Belizeans. We actually have an assessment weekend coming up on the 15th and 16th of April, this month and all people need to do is contact us directly at Raleigh or the local youth office. Then they’ll have the opportunity to come on the selection weekend so it’s really, really easy.”

All applicants must be between the ages of 17 and 25 and be able to swim. Luis Novelo left for Namibia earlier this afternoon. He’ll be back in Belize in early June. This year the Raleigh expedition in Belize is the largest the organization has ever put together with 120 young people from all over the world building schools and participating in various other community projects.