New Connections, Ideas and Motivation
The second Strategy Weekend 2019 took place in the North of Italy in the beginning of August. Lorenza Arnaboldi’s parents were so kind to let us stay at their house. Team Europe and the Country Representative of Team Addis, Sena Kinati, came together to discuss the progress of the past months and our short- and long-term goals for the upcoming months.
Varese was the perfect location for this August Strategy Weekend, as charming, beautiful and warm as our Team members. We were 14 people meeting up this time, for eleven of us, it was the first Strategy Weekend. We started the weekend as usual with dinner at a local restaurant on Friday night. Saturday morning, after coffee, we started off with presentations on the achievement and upcoming projects of each department. After that, we held two workshops in which we discussed the tasks and guidelines for volunteers coming to Addis Ababa with the Country Representative Sena and improving the introduction into the team for new members. After an energising lunch break with freshly cooked pasta prepared by Lorenza’s Dad, we continued with the Country Representative’s Update. Sena informed us about the new developments at the PROJECT-E Hospitality Institute and provided us with news about the political situation in Addis Ababa as well as the struggles and goals of the staff and management.
An internal survey was addressed and evaluated by Rafael and Lara Rodrigues Radischat to assess the satisfaction of volunteers working for Team Europe. The results showed, that the majority of volunteers (the overall rating was 4,37 out of 5) are happy with their volunteering experience at PE, but also what could be improved: information access and department communication throughout departments were addressed. We came up with new ways to improve these matters.
In the following time slot, each department had some time to set internal goals and discuss issues only affecting the respective department. It was a very productive time for each team. Afterwards, we gathered again to discuss general goals and the Strategy Plan for 2018-2023, what we have already tackled and which goals we can approach next. We are striving to make the project more inclusive to women with disabilities, increase advocacy to address more general goals on a societal level and want to connect more as a whole team as well. We are thinking about expanding the institute as well to give more women the chance of an education at PEHI.
For dinner we had pizza and wine and some time to connect on a more personal level. On Sunday we held our elections: We welcome Lorenza as the new Country Representative for the next six months, while Sena is on maternal leave. Therefore, the Management Board now consists of Moritz Kolbe and Christina Penker who will fill Lorenza’s position. Josefine Weinstein joins Junior Management Board. Stella Sak and Josefine will share the position of Department Head of Fundraising. The new Department Heads for Talent Management are now Rafael and Lara.
After that we went swimming at the Lago Maggiore, which was very refreshing. Thanks again to Lorenza and her parents who were very hospitable and kind towards us. And thanks to Lorenza, Moritz and Christina for the great organisation of the weekend.
In summary, this Strategy Weekend was full of innovative ideas, delicious food and awesome company. We went home with a lot of new friends and newfound motivation for the next half year.
Written by Anne Stellberger
