Silver Award Participants Complete Almost 40 km Adventurous Journey in Luwawa Forest

Seven Form 5 and Form 6 students recently completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh International Award Adventurous Journey, spending three days and two nights exploring the stunning landscapes of Luwawa Forest in Mzimba District.

Over three days and two nights, the group covered almost 40 kilometres of forest trails, stream crossings, ridges, and valleys, carrying everything they needed and relying on their navigation, teamwork, and determination to reach their destination.

Day 1: Excitement and New Challenges

The expedition began at Luwawa Forest Lodge on Wednesday 10 June. With backpacks packed and maps in hand, the students set off with enthusiasm, ready to take on the challenges ahead. Their additional goal was to create a vlog documenting their experiences throughout the journey.

The route took them through indigenous woodland, plantation forests, stream crossings, bridges, sections of the Bushback Trail, the Ridge Walk, and the Luviri Ridge area before reaching their first campsite. A few challenging navigation points required careful map reading and problem-solving, turning the day's walk into a longer adventure than originally planned.

By the time the group reached camp, darkness had fallen. Tents were pitched, dinner was prepared, and everyone settled down for a well-earned night's sleep.

Day 2: Campfire Conversations and a Cold Night

The second day brought more walking, more navigation, and a journey to a campsite near a waterfall. Although the group could hear the water in the distance, the waterfall itself remained hidden from view until the following morning. The campsite was not luxurious, offering very few comforts and, to add to the adventure, no mobile phone reception whatsoever.

With no messages, notifications, or social media competing for attention, the evening around the campfire stretched a little longer than usual. Students and staff shared stories, ambitions, and reflections on life beyond school.

Listening to their ideas and perspectives was a reminder of just how much potential our young people have. If they continue to nurture their curiosity, determination, and sense of purpose, there is little doubt that they will make a positive impact wherever life takes them.

The temperature dropped sharply overnight, making for one of the coldest parts of the expedition. By morning, there was a unanimous feeling that the best way to warm up was simply to start walking.

Day 3: Waterfall, First Aid, and the Final Push

The final day began with a visit to the waterfall, one of the highlights of the entire journey. Soon afterwards, when everyone was relaxed and focused on the walk ahead, the students faced an unexpected challenge. Without any warning, a First Aid scenario was introduced.

With Ms Katemanyoka acting as an injured casualty and Mr Dabwa observing from a hidden position, participants were required to put their training into practice under realistic conditions.

To the relief of the observing staff, the students responded exactly as they had been trained to do. They remained calm, followed the correct procedures, communicated effectively, and worked together to manage the situation. It was an impressive demonstration of the skills they had developed during their preparation for the expedition.

The final stretch required the group to navigate independently using compass bearings to reach the designated extraction point. By this stage, tired legs and heavy backpacks had taken a significant toll on the group, and every uphill section seemed a little steeper than the last, but the students continued to encourage one another and remained focused on reaching their goal.

Returning to the lodge at the end of the final day brought a mixture of relief, pride, and excitement. The achievement was celebrated in style with a specially made surprise cake, a braai, soft drinks, and plenty of laughter as students shared stories from the journey.

The Journey Beyond Walking

Throughout the expedition, students demonstrated remarkable teamwork, resilience, and maturity. Whether navigating difficult sections of the route, managing camp responsibilities, or responding to unexpected situations, they consistently worked together and looked after one another.

At times, they displayed a level of cooperation and good judgement from which some of us adults could probably learn a thing or two.

Perhaps the best summary of the expedition came from two of the participants, Lisa and Michelle:

"After this, I feel like everything else in life will be easy."

While future challenges undoubtedly await, the expedition certainly strengthened the students' confidence, resilience, independence, and sense of achievement.

Congratulations

Congratulations to:

• Kay Ndilowe
• Lisa Chilembwe
• Michelle Khonje
• Mikko Msefula
• Ndagha-Kyala Kaula
• Tujaliwe Ngumbira
• Tsinde Mathanga

on successfully completing their Silver Adventurous Journey.

We look forward to seeing where their Duke of Edinburgh journey takes them next, and perhaps even welcoming some future Gold Award participants next year.