As we grind inexorably toward the end of the programme there is a bag of mixed emotions.  As always when coming to the end of something there is a plethora of ‘lasts’; last Monday, last Tuesday in the gym, last Sunday afternoon chilling with  mates…  A myriad of thoughts is now passing through each young man’s ear lobes at warp speed whilst trying to relive every moment and savour the final vestiges of brotherhood before it is time to say farewell and move onto the next chapter in their young lives. 

The tapestry is now complete; the last square has been sewn in.  Brotherhood, teamwork, loyalty, honesty, kindness and finishing what has been started have all been indelibly grained into each young man and when he has moved on the Quest campus will be the poorer for his passing.

Looking back over the last six months has indeed been a privilege, as by writing this final newsletter the opportunity of reliving moments and remembering key episodes in each young man’s life that has led him to this junction is indeed a privilege.

Six months ago, after all their parents had left and the sun had barely risen over the rough earth of Matabeleland twenty four young men were rudely awoken and thrown into their first fitness session.  Right from the moment leaders began to meekly emerge as the group was forced roughly into some sort of cohesive unit.  Lessons such as never leaving a man behind, finishing together and finishing strongly were already being learnt, albeit the hard way.

There have been countless experiences ‘banked’ by all on this course, some experiences are going to be missed and others are going to be avoided.  But that is the point is it not?  When doing something wrong or something that is not to your liking, it is the process that leads to discovery.  I read recently that in today’s results driven society too often the process is overlooked as a valuable form of learning and only the final result is judged.  Doing something incorrectly is quite often the best way of learning as one now knows how not to do something in the future.  When Edison made the light bulb, he knew a thousand ways how not to make the light bulb in the future…  The point is that finding the right path yourself after exploring the labrynth of wrong paths is a far more satisfying and memorable experience than that of stumbling onto the correct path first time.

Projects have been closed out successfully and the learning experiences will prove invaluable. 

• The Decking project is nearing completion and will add such immense value to the Quest campus that all involved will be able to look back and hold their heads high. 
• The Boma reconstruction project, which will see more game species entering the conservation area will improve not only the environment, but the understanding of how important nature and wildlife is to our planet.  There is a Sioux saying, which goes something like this, ‘When the animals have been hunted to extinction, man will die of a lonely heart ‘.  This is a quote which we need to teach our younger generation for them to appreciate the importance of our planets diversity.
• A birding booklet has been produced which will aid young boys at Falcon, guests and future Questers gain an appreciation for ‘birding’ and the joys of successfully identifying a new species in the area.  Routes have been mapped where the most likely birding hot spots are and bird feeders have been put out to attract a diverse bird population to our humble area.
• The communal area will give value to future Quest generations, guests and the wider Falcon community.  Though the backbreaking work to build the foundations will be known only to a select few, however will be enjoyed by many.
• The Landrover rebuild team has completed the start up rebuild and the vehicle now drives beautifully – as only a Landrover can. (note the bias!)    This vehicle will prove a valuable boon for Quest.
• The agricultural project has been a success, despite the crippling frost, monkeys and nightly rabbit raiding parties.  They have paved the way for the future Questers to improve on the vegetable garden and add chickens which will lead to Quest becoming self sufficient in a few areas.
•  The animal husbandry project has been a resounding success with the group doing some fantastic work integrating with the local community, all in the aid of improving the communal herd in Esigodini.  Dosing, dipping, branding and pregnancy tests by hand!!

• The community project at Carlisle School involved the reconstruction of their kitchen and playground, which will lead to the children getting a meal at the school.  The playground allows for the school to have a pre school as government standards insist on a playground for that age group.  Education is our only weapon against the darkness which leads to intolerance and ignorance.

All of these projects appeared daunting when they were first started and the question was oft asked, ‘How on earth are we going to complete this, there is just not enough time’.  As with life there quite often is not enough time, but through hard work and diligence, often sleeping out to protect your vegetable garden, these things are achievable and the students have proved this.  Not to us, not only to the ‘bank’ but most importantly to themselves.

There have been times of great fun, such as Bubye, Hwange or Victoria Falls, howver they have always been underscored with a learning experience.  Whether it is shooting your first animal, jumping off a bridge and overcoming a crippling fear of heights or going white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi when one cannot even swim.  Doing game capture in Victoria Falls national park or working at Ilala Lodge as a trainee chef or porter.

We salute these brave young men who have taken their destiny into their hands and given everything their all.  They now go into the wider world, whether it be farming, university or business.  They can hold their heads up high, knowing that their contemporaries who have not been to Quest have never had to push themselves as hard, do things the wrong way a thousand times before finding the correct way.  Of not having had the opportunity to conquer their fears or have a lifetime of wonderful experiences packed into six months. 

They have proved they have the right to call themselves young men.  Men of Quest Africa…