BUILDING A RESILIENT TEAM; THE UYAHF STAFF RETREAT 2025.
“As we embark on this new chapter, we are more equipped than ever to drive transformative change, empowered by strategy, teamwork, and an unwavering passion for impact.” Said Joyce Nakato, Team Leader.
A staff retreat can be a game-changer for any organization, and for a youth-led organization like the Uganda Youth and Adolescents Health Forum (UYAHF), it serves as a powerful tool to set the pace, strategize, and foster team cohesion. In January, our team gathered for a 4 dyas impactful retreat designed to reflect on our progress in terms of key learnings, picking best practices from last year, and lay strategies for much bigger strides for 2025. The retreat also created a platform to introduce new projects, and welcoming new staff into our dynamic workforce.
The retreat held from 27th to 30th January brought together over 28 staff from the various UYAHF districts of operation. It kicked off with an engaging icebreaker session, where staff shared personal traits beyond their work life, setting a relaxed yet energetic tone for the day. This was followed by an insightful reflection on our achievements and challenges over the past year. Each department, including Programs, Communications, Advocacy, and Finance, shared key milestones and lessons learned. Additionally, project officers provided brief updates on specific projects, their progress, implementation successes, and challenges laying the groundwork for informed strategic planning.
The retreat discussions also focused among other things on organizational funding and sustainability strategies, emphasizing the crucial role of staff contributions. The session explored various approaches to enhance funding opportunities amidst shrinking global funding pools, sparking insightful discussions on the importance of working in coalitions, leveraging in multisectoral approaches, engaging stakeholders, adopting digital fundraising, and leveraging local resources. Additionally, staff participated in a strategic planning session led by the Programs Manager, who facilitated a deep dive into our annual objectives, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs of the communities we serve as a way to emphasize the significance of utilizing the human centered design. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and accountability, staff members engaged in role-play scenarios to sharpen effective communication, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
A key moment of the retreat was the introduction of new staff under the Inclusive and Equitable Healthcare Service (IEHS) project, supported by German Doctors. They were warmly welcomed into the organization and mentored through team-building exercises, helping them embrace UYAHF’s mission-driven culture seamlessly.
To onboard the new staff effectively, the team revisited UYAHF’s objectives, mission, vision and core values, reinforcing these principles as the foundation of their work and encouraging them to positively represent the organization. Through interactive discussions and group activities, team members exchanged innovative ideas on implementing projects while ensuring sustainability and inclusivity.
Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat incorporated wellness activities, including team-building exercises, and strategy crafting for personal, professional, and organizational growth. Key themes such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, team-work, critical thinking, and problem-solving took center stage, allowing staff to recharge, bond, and foster camaraderie. By the close of the retreat, the energy in the room was palpable renewed commitment, a shared vision, and strengthened collaboration.
Click 👉 video highlight to watch the incredible retreat come together.