„It’s difficult to quite put into words so how much Quest has managed to help me to turn my life around and to help set my adult live on the right path. The skills I was also taught by you are skills that I not only use on a daily basis but will be skills that will shape the rest of my life.“
Author: admin
Alys, UK
„I feel like a new person, more understanding, resilient, and stronger physically and mentally.
At the beginning of Quest, we had our phones taken away and I couldn’t have been happier. I broke a habit I struggled to get myself out of and I began to really appreciate my environment and the people I was with. This is something I will take home; I do not feel the strong urge to always be on my phone just scrolling and scrolling. I will change my habits, and I will appreciate life more and do more things for myself.“
John
„Lately I’ve been thinking quite a lot about Quest and the impact the program has had on my life. The impact as a whole has been astonishing. I came back with the boldness to face my fears and my laziness, which led me to getting a scholarship for a once in a lifetime course of study! This would have never happened without Quest! Here, I just wanted to take some time to thank you for everything. Thank you for every little thing I may have learned from you and big thanks for the opportunity to participate in general. It has been a great honor!“
Kirsten
„Before the Quest Program, I was unsure about what I wanted to do with my one wild and precious life. Now, at the end of the most incredible five months of my life, I have a renewed sense of self-worth and direction, confidence in my capabilities, and have tangibly improved physically, socially, and psychologically.
Quest has enabled me to achieve what I once thought was impossible, from placing myself in a group of strangers, to running my 21-kilometre Grand Challenge, to fully overcoming my eating disorder and mental challenges, and finding a love for myself. I am leaving this incredible place a person that has gone through the best kind of metamorphosis: from a generally lacklustre attitude and little direction to a lust for life and a desire to experience the beauty that the world has to offer through adventure and tender moments with the incredible people I have met here that I will remain friends with for life. I have learned the importance of hard work, and feel equipped with skills and values for my first year of university next year, a journey that initially made me nervous, but that I now feel ready to pursue.
I feel a deep sense of sadness leaving my wonderful new friends, my incredible facilitators, and the beauty of Quiet Waters, but Quest has provided me with a “warrior foundation”, one that has prepared me for my further “quest” into life, and for that, I am eternally grateful and finally feel ready to start a new chapter.“
Parents
„I want to say a massive thank you for the 7 months that you gave to Callum. We stumbled across Quest by accident as we were desperately trying to find something for him to do during his gap year. Little were we to know that he would get a genuinely life-transforming experience. I am personally delighted with the way he is now looking at life. This would not have happened without the mentoring provided by you and the range of challenging experiences provided but more importantly the expectations you put on him. We are very proud of his achievements, clearly the fitness award but especially the leadership one. It will hold him in good stead for his whole life.“
Where is Quest?
The main campus of our institution is located on the expansive 850-hectare Quiet Waters wilderness estate, which is adjacent to Falcon College, a prestigious boys’ senior school in Matabeleland. While the main campus serves as the central hub, we also utilize several other locations to cater to specific disciplines, ensuring a diverse and captivating learning environment.
These additional locations include the breathtaking Matopos hills, the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, the captivating Bubye Valley Conservancy, and the scenic Eastern Highlands. By incorporating these distinct locations into our curriculum, we aim to provide students with a high degree of interest and variety, fostering a deeper connection to nature and a broader understanding of different geographical contexts.
Within the main campus, Falcon College plays a vital role by offering state-of-the-art facilities such as the high-performance center, Information Communications Technology (ICT) resources, and Technology and Design equipment. This collaboration allows us to provide students with cutting-edge resources and support their academic and extracurricular pursuits effectively.
By leveraging the resources of Falcon College, our institution ensures that students have access to modern technologies, enabling them to explore and engage with various fields of study. The incorporation of Information Communications Technology and Technology and Design facilities further enhances the learning experience, promoting innovation, creativity, and technical proficiency among our students.
In summary, our main campus is situated on the picturesque Quiet Waters estate, adjacent to Falcon College. However, we also utilize diverse locations across the region to offer a wide range of disciplines and maintain a high level of interest and variety. The collaboration with Falcon College provides students with exceptional facilities, including a high-performance center, Information Communications Technology resources, and Technology and Design equipment, fostering an environment conducive to holistic growth and academic excellence.
Who can apply and is this for me?
Quest Africa is open to 17-22-year-old men and women (Mixed Core) and runs throughout the year with various courses. There are two short breaks during this time. At the same time, Quest is not for everyone. Not all candidates who apply will be accepted, and not all candidates who start the program will finish it. It is truly challenging. Individuals will be assessed on a mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional level before joining the programme. During the course of the programme a young man’s/woman’s character will be tested; he/she will develop physical and mental courage tempered by a sense of what is right. By the end of the course, he/she will have developed real mental grit, exceptional physical stamina, and possess near-unbreakable self-esteem. Throughout, he/she will confront and conquer his/her fears on an individual level and as part of a team. Through this team-work exceptional bonds of friendship will be established that will last a lifetime; most importantly, they will have developed the real essence of leadership, which is carrying people with them by persuasion and example. By the end of the programme, the participants will be equipped to take responsibility for their destiny by making decisions based on a variety of experiences and knowledge gained during the programme.
How much free time will we have?
The Men’s Core will have two scheduled breaks, and the Mixed Core will have one scheduled break (specific dates will be communicated). Additionally, depending on the schedule, participants can expect to have free time during certain parts of the weekend and evenings. Furthermore, there will be special occasions where parents, family, and friends will be invited to join us, fostering a sense of community and celebration.
Although it is generally encouraged for participants to fully commit to the Quest experience, we understand the importance of family and significant personal events. Therefore, while it is not actively encouraged, Quest acknowledges that participants may need to request a leave of absence to attend important family occasions like weddings. We strive to be understanding and accommodating in such situations, ensuring that participants can balance their personal commitments with their Quest journey.
Who will be leading and lecturing the programme?
Our programme boasts a team of highly qualified lecturers and facilitators, comprised of individuals who are widely recognized and respected within their respective fields. Leading this team is John Laing, an esteemed figure in the industry with Japh Mpofu. Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide and support the participants.
In addition to our dedicated team, we also invite guest speakers who will address and engage with the young men throughout the programme. These guest speakers are carefully selected for their expertise and ability to provide unique insights and perspectives. Their contributions enhance the learning experience and offer valuable opportunities for interaction and dialogue.
With this exceptional team of educators and the inclusion of influential guest speakers, we ensure that participants receive a well-rounded education and have access to a diverse range of perspectives, enriching their learning journey and fostering personal growth.
How long has Quest been running?
Quest was founded in 2010 running it’s first course for 12 students. Since then, over 650 students have attended from all over the world.