By Country Director, Gavin Shelton
This morning the staff team find themselves in the somewhat alien position of having no Venturers to be responsible for any longer! After some very emotional goodbyes at Bangalore airport and Mysore bus station the staff have set off on tying things up to close down Raleigh’s first expedition in India.
The current mood at Fieldbase is a mixture of elation, sadness, joy and reflection as we all look back on a truly incredible shared experience. It’s been a roller coaster ride for everyone involved.
The salient point that emerged from speaking to the staff this morning is that everyone has been deeply impressed by the young people who have made this expedition a great success. A number of the staff have commented that they really hadn’t expected they would have been so profoundly affected by saying goodbye to all of the Venturers.
On a personal level I feel enormously privileged to have spent time with a very diverse group of young people and staff who are thoughtful; considerate; passionate about bringing about positive change in the world and quite simply an inspiration to be around.
On behalf of all of the staff on Raleigh’s first expedition in India; our partner organisations and the communities in which we’ve been working, I want to say a huge thank you to all of the young people who’ve stretched themselves beyond what they thought was possible to make a genuine difference to the people around them.
To all of the parents and guardians of the young people who have been in our care I want to say that your bravery and trust in them was well placed. We are all humbled and in awe of their personal achievements.
to Gavin Shelton
ReplyDeleteHaving read your farewell piece to all the venturers, we as parents thank Raleigh for such a special opportunity to work and learn about the fabulous continent of India. I spent a mere 2 weeks there a few years ago and it changed my life I am so proud that Will and his friends feel the same. Thank you from all of us for the hard work, excellent research and above all support you gave our children. I know Will wants to continue working with Raleigh in some way in the future and this has been the beginning of a wonderful adventure. Well done to you all and best wishes for many more successful expeditions in India. Judith, Alistair and sister Caroline Murray
FOR THE RALEIGH TEAM
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for making Monnies first 10 weeks of her gap year the most special time of her life. I haven't heard her sound so happy in a very long time. She has made some really good friends both students and staff. She explained that she would like to go back to work for Raleigh in the future - this is fantastic. We wish all the raleigh team a very save journey home and hope to meet up with some of you back in the UK.
With many thanks.
Evelyne Beresford
Hey Gav!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on finishing the first expedition......what a success!
Hope you're not too warn out, all the best
Hils
AS a family,we would like to thank everyone at Raleigh for making the Indian experience so special for all concerned,especially Charles!He has told us that it was the most amazing time of his life and I am certain that without all the hard work and preparation carried out by the Raleigh team this would not have been possible.
ReplyDeleteSo just a huge thank you to all concerned and for the blog which made us feel involved....if from a safe distance!
I am sure it is not the end of Raleigh for Charles...watch out!
best wishes to all
Louise,Keith,William and Katherine Arnot
Don't be so sad as you will meet new venturers soon! ^_^
ReplyDeleteHey everyone! I wanted to thankyou again for making the 10 weeks probably the best of my life!! ive heard rumours that Joe's videos are about and i was just wondering where?! Ok, well hope you are all well.
ReplyDeleteSarah Frodsham