Every sabbatical leave tells a story. For some, it is a quiet pause, a time to step back, breathe, and return refreshed. For others, it is a journey of learning and rediscovery. For Rev Dr George Kalu, his 2025 sabbatical a bit of both. Far more than the rest, it became a hands-on mission and a lifeline of hope for vulnerable children in Zimbabwe.
Drawing on his own childhood in Nigeria, where many schools operate without basic First Aid resources, George dedicated his sabbatical to addressing a silent but deadly gap: the absence of emergency response systems in selected schools. “Most schools lack the simplest First Aid materials,” he reflected – a reality that inspired his mission.
After completing First Aid, CPR, safeguarding, and ministry refresher training in the UK, George travelled to Zimbabwe in December 2025, accompanied by his wife, Nnenna, for part of the journey. A restful stopover in Dubai provided much-needed refreshment.
Once in Harare, the mission quickly took shape. With the support of some of his Zimbabwean colleagues and the generous hospitality of a local pastor who provided accommodation and transport, George was able to stretch limited resources further and reach more communities.
Through the project, seven First Aid boxes were delivered to schools and church groups related to the Presbyterian Church in Zimbabwe. These include Falcon Junior School, Robert Sinyoka Primary, Mnondo Primary, Redbank Primary, Mbare Presbyterian School, and Trinity Presbyterian Church’s Sunday School. Falcon Junior School also received professionally certified First Aid training, delivered by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society. This was a significant achievement within the constraints of time and funding.
The feedback from recipients was deeply moving. Schools expressed heartfelt gratitude, recognising how life-saving even basic First Aid support can be in communities where medical emergencies often end in tragedy. For George, the project also became a source of personal healing, offering “a positive distraction” and renewing his sense of compassion and advocacy.
The sabbatical trip opened doors for ministry, too. George was invited to preach at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Greencroft, where he experienced warm fellowship and new friendships in Christ.
As he returned to the UK on 18 December, George carried with him a renewed spirit and a vision for expanding this work. He expresses heartfelt gratitude to his wife, his supervisor, Rev Dr Kevin Snyman, Synod officers, Commitment for Life, and the URC’s global mission partners for their support.
The URC’s sabbatical provision exists to give ministers space to step back from the demands of frontline ministry, breathe deeply, and return renewed. If nothing else, it granted George Kalu a much-needed pause. Though he missed visiting one of his dream sites, the iconic Victoria Falls, this time, George remains hopeful: “Someday, I will visit them.” His sabbatical may have ended, but the mission it sparked is only beginning to unfold.
(Extract from the sabbatical report from Rev Dr George Kalu)
