OLD COLLEGIANS’ FEATURE
An African insight
For goal-setting James, a trip to Africa had long been on his Bucket list. He has always believed in the importance of stepping outside one’ s comfort zone and his six weeks seeing the real Africa provided a growth experience he will never forget.
Travelling on his own, his objectives included meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and experiencing volunteering in a very different environment. With a conjoint degree in engineering and commerce, he decided three years ago to move into management consulting, is currently with Deloitte in Auckland.
As an undergraduate, opportunities arose to visit tsunami-stricken Samoa and the fire-ravaged Victoria while completing a research project on
disaster leadership. This increased his interest in societies under stress and developing economies.
So the scene was set for a holiday of diverse experiences. A six-day safari through the Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater saw him experience the wonders of the region – an abundance of wildlife and jaw-dropping landscape with striking sunrises and sunsets. This was followed by a seven-day tramp to the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro( 5895m), where James and his group battled-20 ° weather on steep inclines; with snow, rain and ice in a context of extreme altitude exhaustion.
“ The last 150m to the top was a walk I’ m not going to be forgetting in a hurry, the mental, as much as physical, challenge of reaching the summit meant that it was immensely rewarding,” says James.
Fresh from these adventures James became closely acquainted with the local people, living for a few weeks in Mvumi village, south of the Tanzanian capital Dodoma, after family friend Richard
MORRIS( School, 1955-59) opened up the opportunity to work at DCT Mvumi School – a co-educational secondary.
Unexpectedly teaching maths and commerce together with an introduction to western-style innovation and thinking was to see James discover a new passion; seeing very shy students open up was particularly satisfying. One of the highlights was the Sixth Form graduation- a colourful and joyous occasion of song and dance. By means of pre-trip fund-raising for the school he was able to buy some much-needed equipment which will serve to encourage more interaction and discussions in the classroom, and support their English language learning.
James says,“ The experience is one that I’ d recommend to anyone wanting a break from the norms of our daily life. I’ ve developed a great admiration for this socially-advanced country where members of 130 different tribes co-exist so successfully, united by one language, Swahili. I hope one day to return to this beautiful place with its amazing people”.
More information on the Sir Peter Blake Trust and the Antarctic Youth Ambassadors programme at www. sirpeterblaketrust. org
AUTUMN 2013 • KING’ S COURIER 37