Zanzibar, Tanzania – March 4-7, 2024 – MCW Global held its 10th Africa Programs Seminar from March 4th through the 7th in Zanzibar, Tanzania, continuing a yearly practice of gathering together team and leadership from the organization and all Affiliates, MC-Rwanda, MC-Tanzania, and MC-Zambia.
Each Affiliate was represented by the Country Manager, two Program Team Members, and one Board Member. From MCW Global, the Executive Director, Director of Strategy & Impact, and two Board Members were present. This ensured that the organization and the Affiliates were represented by various team members, fostering an environment for streamlined communication and inclusion.
The Seminar helped teams strengthen their shared purpose and stay updated on organizational news and practices. It also gave them a core set of skills to advance the joint global mission to improve vulnerable groups’ education, health, and economic security.
Each day was kicked off with a team-building activity and icebreaker led by affiliate team members, including a country presentation by MC-Tanzania, which welcomed everyone to their country. Also, Regina Leichner, Director of Strategy & Impact at MCW Global, updated the team on leadership integration to nurture a collective understanding of the mission and the skills needed to further it.
Mark Kemper, MCW Global Board Member and Board Liaise between the MCW and MCT Boards, remarks:
“My recent visit to Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam exceeded my expectations both professionally and personally. As usually found in my travels, the people make places special, and Tanzanian people surely exceeded expectations with their vibrancy, warmth, and welcoming spirit. I was very proud and excited to see the efforts and results our Tanzanian team is achieving in oral healthcare expansion and youth leadership development.”
“This Seminar was a comprehensive journey of team building, personal growth, and skill development. The energizing sessions and valuable discussions empowered me to deepen connections with team members and enhance my understanding of crucial topics such as conflict resolution, fundraising, commitment management, and leveraging new tools and technologies for program implementation,” says Ndita Mulimbeni, MC-Zambia Acting Country Manager.
Ndita adds that the Seminar inspired and energized her to contribute meaningfully to the shared mission.
The second half of the day brought a session on growth mindset and management, delivered by Richard Magid, Founder and President of Soundboard Consulting, who also joined the teams during last year’s Africa Programs Seminar in Kigali, Rwanda.
“It is always great to work with a group of driven and dedicated leaders who operate with a Growth Mindset and openness to learning. The level of engagement and the sharing of experiences took the learning to the next level.”
Richard highlights how the team had the opportunity to build upon the “Leadership and Self-Awareness” learning from last year while adding a deep discussion on navigating conflict and managing crucial conversations.
The second day started with inspiration from MC-Zambia’s team’s country presentation. Then, Mr. Anthony Chamungwana from Intercapital Limited joined the Seminar for a session focused on fundraising. During this interactive discussion, team members learned about fundraising best practices and growth strategies.
On the third day, MC-Rwanda’s team presented Rwanda and the crucial work implemented across several communities, concluding the three full days of learning, workshops, and fruitful discussions.
With International Women’s Day approaching on March 8th, the women were surprised with a cake symbolically acknowledging the lasting impact the women of the teams are making in their communities and beyond.
The MC-Tanzania team hosted the group, from exploring a Spice Farm to enjoying the Turtle Aquarium and the beautiful views at Nungwi Beach, one of the most breathtaking beaches on the African continent.
Beyond work sessions and sightseeing, this week was about cultivating and encouraging connections between Affiliates and cherishing the diversity of the MCW Global network.
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Click here to read about last year’s Africa Seminar held in Rwanda.
