Alex Dill exemplifies all of the very best qualities of Bermuda’s young people.

Intelligent, articulate, friendly and caring, he has a keen social conscience and an unending enthusiasm for helping others.

The 26-year-old is a volunteer and board member with Raleigh Bermuda, a funded personal development programme for youngsters between the ages of 17-25 designed to help them develop valuable life skills.

The charity, a branch of the worldwide Raleigh International initiative, promotes its vision as youth working together regardless of social background and culture.

The year-long programme is designed to challenge participants to exceed their aspirations, believe in themselves and be inspired to make the world a better place.

Mr Dill, of Devonshire, became affiliated with Raleigh in 2006 when he signed up to take part in the scheme and travelled overseas to Borneo, Malaysia, to help those less fortunate.

“I’d never travelled so far in my life, it was my first trip far away from home,” he said. “My expedition consisted of three experiences — adventure, environmental and community — with nearly three weeks for each.

“I helped to build a bridge across a ravine to help scientists expand their research at a nature reserve — it was a lot of labour.

“I also got to spend time with villagers and teach English to children, I wanted to connect with the locals.”

Since returning, Mr Dill has been an active member of Raleigh’s alumni, training other participants ahead of their expeditions and helping the charity with fundraising initiatives. “I helped out with future adventures and really wanted to get more involved,” he said. “Around 2010/2011 I was asked to be on the Raleigh Bermuda board and I’m currently chairman of our alumni committee.”

A major focus for Mr Dill is being there for his young adventurers before and after they return from their expeditions overseas. He acts as a mentor, counsellor and friend.

“When they come back you don’t want them to feel you have just deserted them,” he said. “They’re still excited and trying to share their experiences — others who haven’t been don’t always understand that excitement.

“They learn so many different life skills. Some kids are trying to get a job, which is difficult in this climate, but Raleigh helps in terms of life skills and building confidence. They become fully motivated.

“Raleigh also helps as far as a resume is concerned and can help them get jobs.

“When they come back we really get involved with their lives on an individual basis — it’s all about development and helping them out.

“We occasionally put on workshops with local groups so they can add certain things to their resume, like CPR with the Red Cross. It allows them to get some more experience.”

Mr Dill also likes to ensure the spirit of giving and volunteering helps Bermuda. He volunteered “on and off” with St John’s Ambulance for nine years and enjoys dedicating time to sustainability projects to help the environment. These include launching a Raleigh community garden in Paget and clean-ups across the Island.

“At the garden we’re growing some vegetables and got gardening lessons from local expert Frances Eddy,” Mr Dill said.

“We might give the produce to seniors and people in need depending on how much we have and how many people are involved but we might sell some as well to give us some self-sufficient funding to help future Raleigh participants.

“We also do clean-ups, picking up trash and trying to recycle and support sustainable development.”

Before Raleigh, Mr Dill was trying to start his own media production business and said the charity “helped with that transition” by encouraging his self-development, building his confidence and teaching him valuable life skills.

“It’s life-transforming and so beneficial,” he said. “You live and breathe and your blood flows ‘Raleigh’ — it’s such a good spirit.

“Before Raleigh, all I knew was what I knew. I didn’t add anything to my life. I didn’t think I was capable of doing a lot of things. I felt like I was on a treadmill going nowhere even though I was working my butt off.”

Two years ago Mr Dill decided he “wanted to switch gears” and moved into the healthcare industry. He now works as a medical assistant at Northshore Medical and Aesthetics Centre.

Ask him about his career and he apologises for focusing on work and having less time to volunteer. He is modest when it comes to acknowledging that even his chosen profession is dedicated to helping others.

“I run the lab at the doctor’s office and do a little bit of everything, but I’m focusing on health and nutrition,” he said. “I’m studying health coaching, which covers nutrition and well-being.

“I want to help with medical problems like obesity and stress to help people to live a happy, fulfilled and healthy life.

“But I’ll be involved with Raleigh continuously and will be there no matter how busy I am.

“We’re from the same family — we bond and share experiences and all know what it feels like.

“It’s so rewarding to see that young people care, that shows such promise.”

For more information about Raleigh, visit www.raleigh.bm

•Do you know someone who is dedicated to making the Island a better place? Is there a good samaritan who selflessly helps others? A volunteer working tirelessly for charity? E-mail lmcgrath@royalgazette.com or call 278-0157.tttb