I was really pleased to be able to hand over to them a new plan for the organisation, developed in close collaboration with the staff and director. It is not a big change in direction for them, but it clarifies and updates a lot of their work, and gives them a blueprint to build on their strengths in the future. The best aspect of the plan is that they were the creative force behind it, with me channelling their thoughts into a coherent whole. The whole thing is also available in English and Sinhala. This was no mean feat given the other pressures on Ranil, the only truly bilingual staff member.
Here I am, handing over the printed plan to Daya, the director.
They surprised me here in that although they worked over a large area, they did not have a good map of the surrounding roads, towns and villages. I made one myself and got it printed by a local sign maker, and they are going to hang it on the wall and mark their projects on it to show visitors.
A practical present for them:
I also worked with them to improve their other skills, including English language, IT and organisational development. I really think that I have struck the balance right between accepting their (very different) culture and also challenging them to use better ways of working from elsewhere.
Here is the group photo of us all outside the office. Front row, left to right: Fernando, Siri, Daya, Shriyalatha, Anusha, Gnana, back row: Pubudu, Ranil, Mr Dadallage, Ruwan, Ranjith, Ajith, another Ruwan, and me... (click to enlarge image).
My now-former colleagues were really kind to me on my last day, and said very generous things. Apart from the work, they also thanked me for taking part in their traditional ceremonies and also regularly sitting down to lunch with them and sharing my precious rice packet...
I was sad to say goodbye to some good friends, but I feel that my work has been accomplished and I really feel the organisation is in a stronger position than before I arrived.
Mission accomplished!
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