Submitted by: Lukas Watcher, volunteer firefighter, Ettenkirch, Friedrichshafen, Germany

What was your experience like?

I joined Africa Fire Mission at the end of October 2019 for a trip to Zambia and in hindsight I am happy to say that it was the expected opportunity to develop myself while I could to really meaningful work. On the one hand there is a big lack of knowledge, good training and equipment which is sad to see but on the other hand there is a good thing, an important thing: There is motivation in the eyes of every Zambian firefighter we trained and there is a huge desire of improving in the fire service in Zambia. They need to be taught and most important they want to be taught – by us, by you!

How did the trip impact you?

The trip had a huge impact on me because everyone of us believes to know about life in Africa and their needs, you can see that on TV whenever you want. But you don´t really KNOW when you haven´t been there. When I returned home I started to appreciate all these little things, like drinking water out of your water tap. I don´t want to say you need to go there to help, but you can support someone who does. I have been to different projects in Africa and I realized it is not done by donating money. You have to make sure that you know how the organization works. Africa Fire Mission is not just about supporting and raising funds which are afterwards wasted for non-sustainable goods. AFM is about training, empowering and encouraging. I am glad that I got the opportunity to experience how that works!

What could others expect if they were to come on a AFM trip?

If you join an AFM trip you can expect a great time full of meaningful work, nice people and a new sight on fire service. You can improve while helping others to improve and you will be able to experience a very exemplary way of development aid. An AFM trip is a role model of encouraging, empowering, supporting and training and you will be hammered by the dedication and kindness of your team members – so was I! Somehow it is unique how people who are associated to the fire service work together – it is a big family and with AFM your on a family trip!