From Monday 22nd April to Wednesday 25th April 2024, the Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF) team undertook a three-day team-building workshop in Entebbe. This activity aimed to foster stronger working relationships among the CRVPF team by developing a shared vision, mission, and values. This activity was especially important due to the recent addition of nearly ten new staff members supporting the Empowering Youth through Data and Community Development (EYDCD) program. Those who attended included our National Consultants who oversee CRVPF supported initiatives in Ethiopia and Kenya, as well as a Grant Officer from CRVPF’s US Office.
The three-day team-building workshop was facilitated by Lantern Training, a Nairobi-based company specializing in enhancing organizational effectiveness by improving team dynamics and deepening self-awareness. The first day centered on improving self-awareness by identifying our own strengths and challenges (which we now term as “over-extensions”), as well as those of our colleagues. The objective of this activity was to bring to the team’s attention their areas of strength and overextensions, with the hope that they would be able to utilize their strengths to make valuable contributions and seek assistance in areas where they might be less confident. Additionally, the day underscored the importance of understanding the team’s dynamics and refining our teamwork strategies. This was accomplished through engaging activities and games which mirrored real-life scenarios, such as the Pipeline game, where collaboration was essential to achieving a shared goal.
On the second day, the focus shifted to deepening self-awareness and valuing diversity within the team. The team had the opportunity to examine the various values and approaches that each member contributes and recognize how this diversity can contribute to achieving the organization’s primary objective of preventing violence against children and young people. At the end of the day, we witnessed the distinct and hidden talents of each individual as we were divided into groups and tasked to showcase various aspects of our work in a talent show. Certain groups expressed themselves through rap songs about our cluster approach, while others presented skits and poems showcasing how CRVPF actively engages with the community.
On the third and final day, we focused on reviewing and reflecting on the insights gained from the previous two days. Additionally, we discussed and made plans for CRVPF’s future. The team engaged in activities that facilitated the development of a collective vision for the organization and enhanced everyone’s comprehension of their crucial role in supporting CRVPF to achieve its objectives. Professor Anne Katahoire, the chairperson of the regional board, addressed the team and discussed the significant progress of CRVPF since its inception. The day concluded with a visit to Uganda Wildlife Conservation Education Centre, followed by a vibrant dinner on the terrace, where everyone engaged and reflected on the learnings of the past two days.
“The team-building retreat provided invaluable learning opportunities. Personally, I discovered aspects of my personality that I was not aware of, and learned about traits of my colleagues that influence their decision-making and conduct. Stepping away from the office environment was refreshing and helped us to form deeper connections with each other.” Andrew Ogwang, Finance Officer, EYDCD
Overall, the CRVPF team greatly benefited from this experience, both personally and professionally, and are enthusiastic about implementing what they learnt and working together to achieve the organization’s objectives.