The plan for the 2014 Annual General Reflection (AGR) of the SELL Foundation started shortly after the team returned from Jalingo, venue of the same event in April 2013. The team followed up issues raised by members of SELL family and came up with points which were presented to the Board of Trustees (BOT) and to the other stakeholders last year. Therefore, the success of this year’s programme didn’t come to us as a surprise. Thanks to the participants, Tommy Hayden; the Resource person present at the programme, the host (management and staff of the pastoral centre, Jos) and my colleagues at the Resource team, not forgetting our benefactors. YOU ALL CONTRIBUTED TO THE SUCCESS.
This year’s AGR was unique in many respect. First, with the aim “To learn from our shared experience of the SELL programme on the journey so far and reflect on the new dynamics on the future of the Foundation” it was the coming together of the Initially trained SELL programme facilitators and the present facilitators in training. Last year, Leo Traynor gave an input on the Human model, which challenged especially the Initially trained facilitators to break their ego and friendly accommodate the facilitators in training into their various communities as EQUALS. This was evident at the just concluded AGR, such that it was difficult to say who was attending the AGR for the first time. Kudos to all the participants!
Also at the just concluded AGR, the issue of translating the programme into one of the local languages; Hausa was laid to rest. Tommy in conjunction with the resource team reported that the translation is now fully completed and the Hausa training manual is now at the stage of production. This news gladdened all present, as many of them said it was a pressing need from their communities. They all agreed to send in names of those who wish to be trained to deliver the SELL program in Hausa language. It was also agreed that a date for the training be fixed as soon as the manuals are ready or after the next Community Leaders meeting. The successes and challenges of the community trainings and workshops were then presented and reviewed.
Tommy gave an Input on the “Six Thinking Hat” as postulated by Edward de Bono. He said Six Thinking Hats is a simple, effective parallel thinking process that helps people to be more productive, focused, and mindfully involved in a situation. He said team members can learn how to separate thinking into six clear functions and roles. By mentally wearing and switching "hats," one can easily focus or redirect thoughts, conversation, or meeting. The White Hat calls for information known or needed. "The facts, just the facts." The Yellow Hat symbolizes brightness and optimism. Under this hat you explore the positives and probe for value and benefit. The Black Hat is judgment - the devil's advocate or why something may not work. Spot the difficulties and dangers; where things might go wrong. Probably the most powerful and useful of the Hats but a problem if overused. The Red Hat signifies feelings, hunches and intuition. When using this hat one can express emotions and feelings and share fears, likes, dislikes, loves, and hates. The Green Hat focuses on creativity; the possibilities, alternatives, and new ideas. It's an opportunity to express new concepts and new perceptions. Lastly, the Blue Hat is used to manage the thinking process. It's the control mechanism; the facilitator.
Other matters that came up include the issuing of membership card, Internship to the Resource team and presentation of certificates of facilitation to some of the Initially trained facilitators. There was also a social night where members showcased their dancing steps. It was fun filled. A total of 36 participants;21 male, 15 female came from the various community teams. Sadly but expectedly, members of the Maiduguri community team could not come due to the security challenges in Borno state. We pray for a quick return of peace in that area of the North east of Nigeria.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
28th April – 2nd May 2014: Workshop at Nabordo community in Bauchi on the SELL programme in Hausa Language by Tommy Hayden and Clement Mallam.
30th April – 4th May, 2014: Third training of SELL programme facilitators in Yola, Adamawa state, North East, Nigeria.
5th May, 2014: Moses and Beji will be visiting Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a US based International NGO in Abuja Nigeria to discuss on future partnership.
Tomorrow is Workers day in Nigeria and all over the world. On behalf of the SELL Foundation, I wish all the workers a sweet celebration.
Thanks,
Moses F. Alokpa
UPCOMING EVENTS:
28th April – 2nd May 2014: Workshop at Nabordo community in Bauchi on the SELL programme in Hausa Language by Tommy Hayden and Clement Mallam.
30th April – 4th May, 2014: Third training of SELL programme facilitators in Yola, Adamawa state, North East, Nigeria.
5th May, 2014: Moses and Beji will be visiting Catholic Relief Services (CRS), a US based International NGO in Abuja Nigeria to discuss on future partnership.
Tomorrow is Workers day in Nigeria and all over the world. On behalf of the SELL Foundation, I wish all the workers a sweet celebration.
Thanks,
Moses F. Alokpa
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