I recently noticed Operation Florian was looking for volunteers for their latest project in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, and decided to apply. Having previously participated in a project in 2014 as a student at UCLan University, I was thrilled to be selected for the team and eager to see the progress made by the local council, the Fire Brigade, and Operation Florian since my last visit.
Our team was comprised of 15 volunteers from across the UK and beyond, all bringing a wealth of Fire Brigade experience. Additionally, six UCLan students joined us. We all met up in Ethiopia before continuing with our journey to Zimbabwe, taking advantage of the 24 hours of travel time to get to know each other. Once we arrived in Bulawayo, we headed to Famona Fire Station, our operational base, to familiarise ourselves with the environment. Walking around brought back many good memories, especially seeing an old, rusty RTC training vehicle still there. We also visited the other three fire and ambulance stations in Bulawayo, witnessing how the equipment donated by Operation Florian was benefiting the city.
On our first morning, we were warmly welcomed by local councillors at the Town Hall. Introducing ourselves to such a grateful audience was a poignant moment for me, filling me with even more motivation for the weeks ahead. After the formalities, we returned to Famona Fire Station to commence training, marking the start of a busy week.
As part of the training team, I was designated to Breathing Apparatus (BA) training along with Gary, Pat, and Jimmy. Most trainees were from the Bulawayo Fire Brigade, but we also had firefighters from across Zimbabwe, demonstrating their commitment by travelling long distances to learn. It was refreshing to see how well the firefighters from Bulawayo retained the training they received the previous year.
We conducted training at offsite venues, using vision covers, and smoke machines, creating complex, realistic scenarios to test the firefighters. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it was a pleasure to see their theoretical learning applied in practice. Our training team also gained valuable insights into the daily challenges faced by the firefighters, such as dealing with the weather and water supply issues. Continuous assessment each day culminated in a written exam, with all delegates performing admirably.
After completing the first week, we enjoyed a weekend of activities, including a trip to Matopos National Park to see rhinos and other landmarks. The following day, we visited an animal sanctuary and explored the city centre, experiencing the local culture. These activities, provided by our gracious hosts, were a perfect end to a productive week.
The second week was more intense due to a national holiday on Friday, giving us only three days to train. Despite the shortened week, we maintained the same high level of training. On Thursday, we concluded with a handover ceremony, featuring a pass-out parade and a demonstration for councillors, dignitaries, friends, family, and the media, which went very well.
The two weeks I spent in Bulawayo will remain a cherished memory. I hope to reconnect with the friends I made at Bulawayo Fire Brigade on future Operation Florian projects.
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