By Michelle Daniels

25 July 2008

WHEN 19 fire fighters from Msunduzi Emergency Services headed for the Drakensberg, they hardly expected to learn about bravery from a group of teens.

The team, together with teenage burn victims from the charity Children of Fire, were the first fire fighters to take part in this joint outreach programme aimed at uniting rescuers with burn victims. The charity hopes to make this an annual event, but Children of Fire is wholly dependent on public donations and volunteers.

Over the next few days, fire fighters with over 30 years experience learned more about the difficulties faced by those they save. The teens came from across the country armed with courage and spirit. After spending some time together, the two groups realised they had more similarities than differences.

Thanks to an array of activities, both creative and physical, the fire fighters experienced the determination of the burn victims. The teens in return, learned more about fire fighting, social interaction and many found a friend for life. Hiking, horseback riding and camping in sub-zero temperatures encouraged both groups to foster trust and camaraderie.

Michelle Daniels, a psychologist for the Children of Fire Trust, accompanied the teens. “The fire fighters got to see firsthand the difference their work makes to lives of those they save. They bonded with a wonderful group of teenagers who have not only survived the pain of being burned but also that of being teased and pushed aside because of their scars. These are youngsters who, despite all this, remain loving and caring.”

If you, or your brigade, would like to be a part of a Children of Fire Outreach Programme, contact them on: 011 726 6529, fax them on 011 482 4258 or email them at firechildren@icon.co.za. For more information on the charity, visit their website at www.firechildren.org

Climbing in the Drakensberg will take place again in 2009 and Mount Kenya is the challenge for 2010.