From November 30 to December 4, 2024, the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Regional Secretariat (RS) held its annual End-of-Year Review and Planning Meeting at the scenic Sawela Lodges in Naivasha, Kenya. This pivotal gathering brought together FAWE RS staff to reflect on the achievements and challenges of 2024, celebrate milestones, and chart a strategic course for 2025. The meeting was a testament to FAWE’s commitment to empowering girls and women through education and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement within the organization.
A Time for Reflection and Celebration
2024 marked the pilot year of FAWE’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, making this review meeting particularly significant. It allowed the team to assess the progress made in implementing the strategic plan, share lessons learned, and identify areas for improvement. The meeting also served as a platform to celebrate the organization’s successes, including the completion of numerous projects and initiatives aimed at advancing girls’ education across Africa.
One of the highlights of the meeting was the birthday celebration for staff members born between August and December 2024. This joyful moment, complete with cake cutting, underscored the importance of fostering a supportive and inclusive organizational culture.
Key Objectives and Outcomes
The meeting was structured around four main objectives:
- Review Progress: Staff reviewed the progress of all projects implemented by FAWE RS from January to December 2024, measuring performance against the 2024 organizational workplan.
- Plan for 2025: The team developed the 2025 organizational workplan and budget, ensuring alignment with FAWE’s strategic goals.
- Address Challenges: Programmatic, administrative, and financial issues were discussed, with actionable solutions proposed to enhance operational efficiency.
- Team Building: The meeting included team-building activities aimed at strengthening collaboration and fostering a remarkable organizational culture.
Highlights of the Meeting
The five-day event was packed with insightful presentations, interactive sessions, and collaborative discussions. Here are some of the key highlights:
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The meeting kicked off with opening remarks from Dr. Martha Muhwezi, FAWE’s Executive Director, who emphasized the importance of the end-of-year review in driving organizational success. The day included an overview of FAWE’s program achievements, an organizational capacity assessment report, and a review of the 16 active grants currently being implemented.
Day 2: Strengthening Organizational Capacity
Day two focused on resource mobilization, advocacy achievements, and updates on human resources, governance, and communication strategies. The team also discussed research achievements, IT updates, and financial performance, ensuring a holistic review of FAWE’s operations.
Day 3: Finalizing Workplans and Reports
The third day was dedicated to finalizing the 2025 workplans and filling gaps in the 2024 annual report. Breakout groups worked collaboratively to refine their plans with support from the Senior Management Team (SMT). The day also included a capacity improvement session on report writing and communication support.
Day 4: Team Building and Celebration
Day four was all about team building, with activities designed to strengthen bonds among staff members. The day concluded with an end-of-year get-together, where the team honored Dr. Martha Muhwezi for her exceptional leadership and contributions to FAWE’s mission.
Day 5: Departure and Next Steps
The final day marked the conclusion of the meeting, with staff departing for Nairobi, energized and equipped with a clear roadmap for 2025.
Key Outputs
The meeting yielded several important outputs, including:
– A comprehensive mid-year review report.
– An action plan to address identified challenges.
– The first draft of the 2024 annual report and the 2025 workplan and budget.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for FAWE
As FAWE RS looks ahead to 2025, the organization is poised to build on the successes of 2024 and continue its mission of promoting gender equality in education. The insights and strategies developed during this meeting will guide FAWE’s efforts to empower girls and women across Africa, ensuring that they have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive.
The End-of-Year Review and Planning Meeting was not just a reflection on the past but also a celebration of the future. With a dedicated team, a clear strategic vision, and a commitment to excellence, FAWE is ready to make an even greater impact in the years to come.
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