The Climb

Alex Honnold who climbed the Yosemite rock by free-soloing.

The steps of molding our 2021-25 strategic plan has been strenuous, to say the least. It did not become any easier with Covid19 slamming at everyone’s door uninvited; forcing our beam, Bev, to head back to Australia. One could say Br. Frank saw all this coming hence the comparison to the climb of the Yosemite rock whilst free soloing.

In the start of March 2020, Ruben Centre attained Belay one. This entailed:

        i.            Getting a consultant (Bev Watkinson) to lead the team (Ruben Centre leadership team) that was to curve the Strategic Plan.

     ii.            Making the team understand the requirements of the Strategic Plan.

     iii.            Communicating to the beneficiaries & general staff on the plan to shape a new plan with a launch ceremony.

The ceremony was instrumental and timely as it was days before the first case was announced in the country. It was important as well for the Ruben Centre family to know that there is going to be a document that would act like guide for the next first years, especially with the departure of the current director.

After the pandemic sat in its place comfortably and we were done with the shock, it was time to pick up our tools and keep climbing.

Onto Belay two where surveys were handed out to those who had direct access to services at the Centre and the staff as well. Basically it was context analysis. Monitoring and Evaluation (MnE) officer was key at this stage with tool development for the surveys. MnE officer as well identified the approach design to the Strategic Plan.

Next up was Belay three where it can be said we were stuck between a rock and a hard place (pun intended). First up was data collection by the MnE office. It was realized that some of the surveys were not filled to satisfactory, understandably due to the disorientation by the pandemic. Some of the surveys had to be redone. Then MnE officer had to analyze the findings by a (SWOT) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats analysis. By engaging the leadership that was designing the Strategic Plan, the analyzed data was shared but it was foggy and unclear. MnE had to the drawing board and simplify the information and explain it to every individual. The leadership team members now understood how they were incorporated in the new plan.

It is now past mid-year and the plan is also half baked. Currently at Belay 4, strategic action development is where the MnE officer places Ruben Centre in terms milestones. This is basically responding to the findings. MnE adds that this stage is important as it sets the pace for the 2021 annual work plan.

As we near the pinnacle of our climb, Ruben Centre would like to appreciate all those who have been involved in this journey. Your efforts and input are forever cherished.

By GB