In April 2018, our FIRE AID member, Operation Florian returned to Zimbabwe as a part of their on-going project to support the fire service with training and equipment.

The project is in its eighth year and brings together partners such as The University of Central Lancashire, the City of Bulawayo and various UK fire and rescue services. UK fire fighters volunteer alongside students from the University of Central Lancashire providing the students with an opportunity to add an international dimension to their studies. 

The University of Central Lancashire is extremely pleased with the partnership, Liz Bromley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor said, ”we are extremely grateful for the support given to this project which not only gives our students a great opportunity to assist in this vital training and experience a different culture and environment, but also ensures that essential training is given to ensure that the Zimbabwe fire services are better able to deal with incidents, keeping their communities safer by improving their firefighting and rescue infrastructure”.

The two-week intensive training programme included Breathing Apparatus Training, Road Traffic Collision Training, Hazmat, Risk assessment, Leadership, Command, Vehicle Maintenance and Servicing of Emergency Vehicles, Advanced Community Fire Safety, Advanced Technical Fire Safety, Ladders, Pumps, Rope Rescue, Train the Trainer and Ambulance Skills.

Operation Florian delivered seven different courses each day. Students attended from all over Zimbabwe and even Botswana, approximately 1,000 students were trained during this trip.

Operation Florian supported this training programme by donating two containers of equipment, which is vital for the emergencies services in Zimbabwe who often use out-dated equipment to respond in emergency situations. Supported by FIRE AID, Operation Florian donated four fire appliances as well as one front-line ambulance. The donations were delivered across Zimbabwe to areas with the most urgent need. Bulawayo, Chegutu and Victoria Falls Town all received equipment from the donation.