By Foday Moriba Conteh
In a bid to examine the organization’s strategic plan and for staff to have the opportunity to add their voices as a way of strengthening the organization in order to move forward in strength and in unity, the Dorothy Springer Trust has on Friday 8th July, 2023 concluded a One-Day Staff Retreat. The One-Day Staff Retreat, which brought together staff from different capacities of the organization was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church at St. Michael, Laka in the West End of Freetown.
In his welcome address, the Programs Manager of Dorothy Springer Trust, Sheku Kabba said that the retreat is geared towards discussing the way forward towards the development of the organization in and out of the country.
He said participants will shed light on the strategic plan of the organization, adding that with the contributions by staff present such will help to build the organization.
Chief Executive Officer for Dorothy Springer Trust, Abdulai Dumbuya stated that last year, during his visit to the United Kingdom where he met with the Board of Trustees of the organization in a general meeting, stating that one of the key discussions held was the need to grow the organization.
He said that the gathering will give the opportunity to staff present to look at and make inputs in the Dorothy Springer Trust Strategic Plan 2023-2026 and also to add their voice as a way of strengthening the organization.
During his presentation on the on Strategic Plan he said the vision of the Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026 is to enable disabled people in Sierra Leone to support themselves and their families through skilled employment, allowing them to participate more fully as equal members of society, adding that the mission is to advance the prospects of disabled people in Sierra Leone through education and vocational training, with a focus on Information, Communication and Technology (ICT)
Abdulai Dumbuya said that the plan seeks to advance education of disabled people in Sierra Leone, in particular, but not exclusively, through vocational and educational training education and ICT training scholarships and to develop the capacity and skills of disabled members of the socially and economically disadvantaged community of Sierra Leone in such a way that they are better able to identify and help meet their needs, and to participate more fully in society through advocacy and lobbying etc. noting that the core values of the plan include Integrity, Teamwork, Professionalism, Accountability and Transparency.
On the Implementation Plan he said the Strategic Pillars include Organizational restructuring, Programme delivery, Intensive fundraising, Recognized institution, Expanded operations.
Abdulai Dumbuya revealed that the Strategic Plan provides a focus to grow DST in the next three years and thus provide a platform to build staff capacity to take over the reins of the organization and further ensure proper delivery of services to PwDs, for example, Child Empowerment Programme.
The Retreat Facilitator, Samuel P.O.V Macauley urged staff present to develop team work which he said will help towards the development of the organization.
He stated that teamwork plays a vital role in the success of any organization and that if they work together collaboratively and effectively, they can achieve remarkable results and drive the growth of the organization.
Samuel P.O.V Macauley said that he is pleased that the organization has put together its strategic plan of which he said to foster teamwork, it is crucial to set clear goals and expectations for the organization.
He encouraged members of staff to have an understanding of the plan which he noted will create a sense of unity and encourage collaborative efforts.
The Retreat Facilitator, Samuel P.O.V Macauley, further made a presentation on standard operating procedures which was followed by individual staff presentation.
The retreat was climaxed by a group work session on the realization of the Strategic Vision by members of staff of which representatives from the group work presented their comments and contributions towards the realization of the Strategic Plan.
