Student Ambassadors’ Retreat

Story by Patricia Mtero (Social work 2.2)

Editor

There is more to us than what we know. If we can be made to see it, perhaps for the rest of our lives we will be unwilling to settle for less. Kurt Huhn said “There exists within everyone a grand passion, an outlandish thirst for adventure, a desire to live boldly and vividly through the journey of life”. In Scotland, Outward Bound was established in 1941. It was discovered during the Second World War that young people were lacking in soft skills because they lacked certain humanity-centered abilities, such as compassion, physical fitness, and a sense of service, and so were unable to survive on what they had. The Scottish elders felt that action was required to address these problems, so they got in touch with Kurt Huhn, a German schoolteacher who had been assassinated after leaving Nazi Germany. Outward Bound was the ideal program for Kurt Huhn because he believed that in order for people to attain their full potential, they must leave their comfort zones. Outward Bound Zimbabwe in Chimanimani ,is one of the many living legacies of Huhn’s vision first opening its doors in 1961. To serve, strive, and never yield is Outward Bound’s motto. Outward bound simply refers to a quest for knowledge. 

12 AU Student Ambassadors attended a leadership training retreat at Outward Bond  from the 14th to the 16th of April accompanied by staff from the Office of Advancement  and Public Affairs. During our stay at Outward Bound Zimbabwe, we had the opportunity to participate in various outdoor activities that challenged us physically, mentally, and emotionally. Some of the activities we engaged in included mountain-climbing and abseiling, Zip line, Pamper Pole and a Raft Building Challenge. 

The real value of our experience at Outward Bound Zimbabwe was not just in the activities we did but in the lessons we learned. We learned the importance of communication, trust, and teamwork. We learned that success is not just about individual achievement but about working together towards a common goal. We also learned the value of perseverance and determination. We faced challenges that tested our limits, but we never gave up. We encouraged each other, supported each other, and pushed each other to be our best selves.

Moreso, the most important lesson we learned was about the power of community. We came from different backgrounds, with diverse experiences and perspectives. But, during our stay at Outward Bound Zimbabwe, we became a community, united by a common purpose and a shared experience. We learned that when we work together, we can achieve great things. We learned that when we support each other, we can overcome any obstacle. And we learned that when we come together as a community, we can make a positive impact on the world around us.

So I want to take this opportunity to thank our fellow student ambassadors for the incredible experience we shared at Outward Bound Zimbabwe. And I want to encourage all of us to continue to apply the lessons we learned during our time there in our daily lives. Let’s continue to work together, support each other, and build a strong and united community that can make a positive impact on our school, our country, and the world.