Practice Trek
The team started out bright and early with an intro to trek from logistics manager Nicki. We were introduced to each piece of kit we would be carrying and then the items were distributed evenly amongst the team. After a lesson in how to correctly wear a rucksack, we divided into two groups and set off 15 minutes apart.
During the trek, we came across a river and had to brainstorm the safest ways to cross. Forming a line, we safely crossed holding on to the person in front.
For lunch we had our first taste of ‘Raleigh Rations’ which consisted of crackers, tuna, sardines, nuts and banana chips, which surprisingly filled us up and fueled us for the rest of the hike. After lunch we practiced assembling the tents before dealing with a ‘medical emergency’.
Team medic Julia ‘fell over and broke her foot’, triggering a practice medical emergency. We had to work together and use the training we received throughout the week to assist the patient. This was a brilliant test of team work and it was great to be able to put into practice what we had learnt during induction. After communicating with Vanessa back at fieldbase we had to get Julia out to the road. Working together, with medic Jenny and trek leader Lewis leading the way, we stretchered Julia to ‘a waiting car’. Executing the casevac successfully was a great end to a brilliant day on trek. We can’t wait for the real thing now!
Allocations
The following day, after much anticipation, the groups received their phase one allocations. After allocations, the new teams had to work together to create a catapult and had the opportunity to egg expedition deputy operations manager (DOM) Fanuel, much to the enjoyment of the other DOMs. The new teams had a few days to get to know one another better before they headed out on their project planning visits.
So, let’s meet the Phase One teams:
Alpha 1, Trek – Lutufyo, Esther and medic Julia
Alpha 3, Natural Resource Management (Ikaning’ombe) – Lewis and Kisare
Delta 1, WASH (Mlanga) – Linzie, Kabula and medic Rachel
Delta 2, WASH (Nyamwezi) – Raymond and Lynda
What’s next:
Thursday 22nd June: Teams return from PPV
Monday 26th June: The venturers arrive
Friday 30th June: Teams depart for their projects
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Words Alice and Rosie. Photos Rosie.
