Digital Storyteller at Raleigh

International

Link to Raleigh International website

Foreword:

Raleigh International creates life‑enhancing expeditions and transformational experiences for young people, enabling them to challenge themselves, reconnect with people and nature, and make a lasting impact in the communities they work with.

Working in partnership with local communities, government bodies, and conservation organisations, Raleigh runs responsible, skills‑based volunteering programmes focused on community development and climate & conservation – from improving education and access to clean water, to restoring ecosystems and tackling the impacts of climate change.

Their projects are designed to empower young people, while supporting local partners to build long term, more inclusive, and more sustainable futures.

From living in the Cabécar territory in the mountains of Alto Almirante to the Bribri community of Yorkín next to the Panamanian border, I stayed in remote villages, travelling deep into the heart of the country to learn about modern Indigenous culture and the importance of ancestral preservation.

Further north, in Rincón de la Vieja National Park and Caño Negro, I documented stories on the incredible biodiversity that makes this country so unique and the power of community action in preserving it.

I met young people, local leaders, elders, and conservationists who reminded me how powerful storytelling can be when it’s rooted in authenticity and purpose. Their resilience, knowledge, and passion for protecting biodiversity and cultural identity left a lasting impact on the way I want to work in the future.

During the project, I managed the Costa Rica Instagram page and saw strong results:

📈 Followers grew by 35.8%
📊 Engagement increased by 214.9%, with likes up 189.9% and shares up 708.3%
📊 Impressions grew by 202%, and reach nearly tripled
📣 Publishing volume rose by 714.7%, with hundreds of stories and dozens of reels and carousels

I’ve also been creating long‑form content throughout the expedition and I’m excited to bring these stories to life in a deeper way.

This experience has strengthened the direction I want to continue supporting in my work: editorial storytelling that creates real‑world impact, focusing on environment, people, and culture, and helping global audiences connect with local conservation and community‑led action.