Learning sessions a success
9 July 2008
Sharing experiences and best practices and learning from each other was the focus of the learning sessions held yesterday. Delegates chose to attend interactive sessions relevant to their Member Organizations and split into groups for 90 minute sessions. The selected topics aligned to WAGGGS goals and addressed specific Members’ needs.
Delegates were introduced to some theory on the topic and then engaged in discussions, games and activities. Feedback was then given on their own experiences, fears and challenges. Being able to share ideas was fantastic as Doriano Guerrieri, Italy, commented: “It gave me a better perspective on a global activity (Fund Development). I learned that it is important to follow a tested method and to plan with accuracy. I don’t need to reinvent things all the time”.
Facilitator for the Succession Planning learning session and International Commissioner from Belgium, Denis Vande Putte, shared some advice with the delegates emphasizing that Succession Planning must be kept in mind all the time: “When things are going well and you need to hand over it is too late to plan then. The key is to keep people (or your successor) around you all the time so that knowledge and experience can be shared and not lost when you have gone”.
Similarly Elaine Paterson, Chairman of WAGGGS Major Donor Task Group says: “If you don’t ask you won’t get, so ask, ask and ask again.”