From the first moment I heard about all the fantastic work Operation Florian do around the world I knew one way or another I had to be involved! I joined the charity the same day and took my first step towards volunteering.
When the request for volunteers was made for an upcoming mission to Harare, Zimbabwe I was thrilled. Being born and bred a proud South African I was especially drawn to the opportunity. Being able to give back to the continent that gave me so much growing up only increased my motivation. I discussed the opportunity with my Fiancé and with her full support put my application forward with no expectation, only hope. I was privileged to get a place and assigned to a team of 3 other volunteers responsible for delivering the BA training package.
I was nervous at first but I needn’t have been, the team assembled by the charity was fantastic. From the seasoned veterans with more than half a dozen missions under their belts to the other first time volunteers like myself everyone was friendly and welcoming. The joint wealth of knowledge and experience in the team was intimidating to say the least but I was grateful to be working with such a professional group.
My first day in Harare was filled with nostalgia; the sunshine, heat, smells, people and even the traffic made me feel right at home. The nostalgia didn’t have time to linger however because we got straight to work! We spent our first day preparing for the start of the intensive training courses we had planned. We also got a tour of Harare Central fire station (our main base of operations) and the three other outlying stations in Harare. In was fascinating seeing how HFB operate and meeting the serving fire-fighters we would be working with over the next 2 weeks.
After a restless night full of anticipation and a few nerves it was time for Sam, Pat, Shay and I to meet our students. The BA training package was intensive and at times challenging due to time and resource limitations but that didn’t dampen the spirit or enthusiasm of our students. The thirst for knowledge and the desire to develop and improve their skills was evident and motivated us as instructors. We did various simulations including an off site exercise arranged by our excellent leadership team. The exercise was carried out in an occupied high-rise building, which we used to simulate a basement fire, creating complex challenges and unique learning opportunities.
The two weeks I spent in Zimbabwe opened my eyes to the importance of what Operation Florian and all its volunteers do. It was a life changing experience for me and I believe with all my heart that we made a difference.
I will always be grateful of the opportunity I was given and look forward to supporting the charity in the future however I can.
