Alpha Project Allocations: Phase 1

Raleigh International aim to have young people from a variety of backgrounds, nationalities and life stages on each expedition. Furthermore we hope all our volunteers are individuals who are open to new experiences and cultures; are team-players who want to develop leadership skills; and are motivated to make a difference to local communities.

Expedition 13A's first 19 Day phase begins on Sunday 3rd February, when all of our teams will deploy to their respective projects: find out all about our projects by clicking here >  (or click on the team titles below for more information) The 3 types of project are Adventure, Community and Environment, so to our first phase teams, drumroll please...

Alpha 1 to 3: Adventure

Each trek covers 250kms in 19 days. Learning navigation, camping and survival skills along the way; teamwork, determination, a good sense of humour and talent for games are essential.  The 4am starts, tough climbs and up to 10 hours trekking a day are all made worthwhile when rewarded with incredible views, abundant wildlife and an enormous sense of achievement upon arrival at the beautiful beaches.

Alpha 1 - The Coast to Coast Trek, Costa Rica

The refried beans 'frijoles' challenge - 10 seconds to eat as many as possible

Led by Project Managers (PMs) Sarah and Colin, Alpha 1 are (clockwise from top left): Billy, Robin, Adelina, Philipp, Rosina, Angus, Colin, Fay, Jeff, Sarah, Ellie, Tabs, Luke (not in picture) and Maykel

Alpha 2 - Corcovado Trek, Costa Rica

Led by Project Managers Chris and Sarah Alpha 2 are:

Clockwise from top left: Alex, Ben, Charlotte, Sarah, Lewis, Anouk, Chris, Flavia, Frances, Catharine, Natasha, Luis, Charlie and Dom

Alpha 3 - Turrisantos Trek, Costa Rica

Led by PMs Gemma and James (clockwise from top right): Gemma, Dougie, Kieron, Imi, Jac, Nelson, Con, Denise, Jaap, Daniela, James, Emily, Rachel, Freddie, Leonie and Katy

PM James, getting Alpha 3 in the spirit

Alpha 4 to 6: Environmental - Ensuring Environmental Sustainability

Working with SINAC (System of National Conservation Areas), the environmental groups live and work alongside the park rangers to help maintain and improve the region’s national parks and wildlife refuges. The projects are hugely important in supporting UN Millenium Development Goal 7: Ensuring environmental sustainability - helping preserve natural resources and habitats, and protect important species of plants and animals. 

Alpha 4 - Carara National Park, Costa Rica

Objectives: Maintaining and creating new trails in the park, increasing tourist numbers and ensuring income for the park and local economy. 

The Carara crocodile being allocated her prey

Alpha 4 led by PMs Louise and Emma (clockwise from top left): Louise, Emma, Emilie, Hidde, Jos, Ben, Cecilia, Josh, George, Ollie, Celine, Emma, Amy, Adriana and Henry 

Alpha 5 - San Lucas Island Costa Rica

Objectives: Environemental Protection Project - creating new trail, development of visitor centre.

Alpha 5 led by PMs Sally, Paul, Kate and Artist Holly (clockwise from top left): Holly, Greg, Charlie, Sally, Charlotte, Jade, Nick, Emily, Anna, Matt, Job, Gina, Ollie, Ben, Kate and Paul

Alpha 6 - Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica

Objectives: Environmental Sustainability Project - working alongside park rangers to maintain park infrastructure.

PMs Clive & Zoe

Alpha 6 led by PMs Clive & Zoe (clockwise from top left): Nacho, James, Lilly, Jelmer, James, Abi, Izzy, Dom, Tom, Ottie, Alex, Adriana, Zoe and Clive.

Alpha 7 to 10: Community - Sustainable Development

Living in the heart of some of the most remote areas of Costa Rica and Nicaragua, these projects provide a unique opportunity to work alongside members of the communities to provide basic facilities such as access to clean water and education. The hard work of the Raleigh groups helps to improve the quality of life and provide valuable resources for the many generations to come.

Alpha 7 - Matapalo, Achuapa, Niaragua

Objectives: UN Millenium Development Goal to improve the health of the community through education in water sanitation and installation of a gravity water feed.

Led by PMs Lena and Antonio (clockwise from top left): Lena, Mark, Sarah, Mat, Robbie, Willie, Nina, Matt, Nina, Charlie, Berny, Antonio and Seb

Alpha 8 - Siares, San Ramon, Nicaragua

Objectives: UN Millenium Development Goal 2: Universal Primary Education, Alpha 8 will be building a pre-school, installing two latrines and a water standpipe.

Led by PMs Dav, Denise and Marie (clockwise from top left): Thomas, Alex, Merle, Jess, Mary, Tom, Denise, Marie, Ella, Anthony, Harini, Victor, Dav and Rakeem

Alpha 9 - Conte Burika, Costa Rica

Objectives: Health Improvement Project, building a health post in a remote indigenous society. This project hopes to improve the overall health of the community in treating conditions from respiratory issues to malnutrition.

Led by PMs Helena, Katharine and Shane (clcokwise from top left): Wisha, Drew, Flo, Katinka, Philip, Bella, Kieran, Cas, Don, Helena, Kate, Kat, Shane and Roger

Alpha 10 - Arenilla, Miraflor, Nicaragua

Objectives: Creating sustainable housing using natural materials which ensures the local community can repair the properties themselves.

Led by PMs Sacha, Vic and Angie (clcokwise from top left): Sacha, Villo, Henry, Iona, Michelle, Laeticia, Anders, Joe, Vic, Flo, Glyn, Elpha, Alejandra and Angie

Find out more about the projects, our partners and objectives here or by clicking on the team title.