Building strong connections and relationships is so important for making progress and getting things done, and that’s especially true for the work ARC does. Our team in Kigali knows that better than most. The Kigali team provides critical support to all ARC staff working throughout Rwanda, from Kiziba Refugee Camp in the West to Mahama Camp in the Southeast. Strong relationships are key to their work.
So, when we asked the Kigali team ‘what would you do with $500 to take better care of yourselves and your teammates, it was no surprise that their answer was all about relationships.
The Kigali team decided to have a staff party – dinner at a new Indian restaurant they’d been wanting to try. Celestin Karangwa, ARC Kigali team member who welcomed everyone and got the party started, recalled “the aim of this gathering is just to relax and be happy. Let’s take this opportunity to sit with each other, talk and build lasting friendships.”
There was no agenda, no program, no goal to accomplish. Rather than discuss work or upcoming deadlines, the team talked about their families and their hobbies. They sat back, enjoyed the Indian kitchen and got to know each other better.
The only scheduled activity was to present certificates to a handful of team members. ARC recently relocated its Kigali office at the request of the Rwandan government, and certificates were presented to all those who played a role in that process – above and beyond their regular work!
Before they split up and headed home for the evening, the team posed for photos to mark the occasion. “I’m so glad everyone came and enjoyed this happy moment together,” said Ronald Kakuba, Kigali team member. “Thank you to Betty and Mary for organizing the event and getting us all together to strengthen our team.”
