25th ANNIVERSARY OF RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL

That this House congratulates the charity Raleigh International on its 25th anniversary; acknowledges with appreciation its exceptional work which 30,000 young people have undertaken in 45 countries since 1984; notes that the organisation, originally known as Operation Raleigh, involves teams of young people working alongside those from different backgrounds and cultures, helping participants to transform their lives, raising their aspirations and developing their leadership skills while teaching them the value and sense of achievement; further notes that the projects range from the installation of water supplies in remote villages to the construction of bridges; welcomes the Government grant to assist a number of unemployed graduates to participate this year in the Raleigh programme; and wishes Raleigh International further success in the years ahead.