June Centre Meeting: Assessing Progress and Promoting Growth

On June 7th, 2023, Ruben Centre convened its 4th monthly center meeting under the leadership of Director Br. Frank O'Shea. The meeting brought together twenty-one staff leaders representing various projects, including Health, Education, Advocacy and Networking, Social Economic Empowerment Through Education, and Organizational Capacity. The meeting commenced on a solemn note as Br. Frank shared the unfortunate news of the passing of one of our staff members, Nelson "Mandela" Asiago, in a tragic road accident on June 6th while en route to his rural home. A moment of prayer was held in remembrance, allowing each staff member to share their cherished memories of him.

*Madam Grace presenting her experience in Ireland.*

*Ms. Belinda presenting her experience in Ireland.*

Moving forward, Belinda Kamundi and Grace Kyuli presented a report on their enriching experience at the Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) Congress held in Ireland. They highlighted the six-day congress, where they engaged with individuals from around the globe, focusing on the critical issue of Agenda 4 Quality Education. Their presentation included insights into Irish culture, spirituality, leadership, and educational practices, accompanied by captivating pictures and a display of Ireland's history, but most importantly, the charism and spirit of Blessed Edmund Rice.

The meeting then shifted gears to the ongoing organizational and human resources audit conducted by a team from GIZ-CPS, coordinated by Carla Lisa and Faith Chege. The purpose of the audit is to identify areas for improvement in all Ruben Centre projects as well as define the ideal job description for the upcoming Chief Operations Officer position. An ad hoc committee responsible for organizing the upcoming Day of the African Child, scheduled for June 16th, provided a progress report. They assured the team that two programs, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, are planned for the day, and preparations are progressing as planned.

Exciting developments were also announced in the Ruben Health Centre, which will now expand its care and services thanks to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), pending final documentation from the county government. Additionally, Ruben Health Centre will collaborate with Good Vision to host a second eye clinic on June 10th. The Human Resource manager also shared that the organization has achieved compliance with the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA), promoting quality-assured learning and credible assessment. Plans are underway to establish the vocational training center as an examination center. Furthermore, two new staff members have joined the organization in the past month, strengthening our team.

The Information Technology department is actively working on digitizing the finance department to enhance security and efficiency. The recent refurbishment of the website has resulted in a remarkable 300% increase in website traffic since the delegation's return from Ireland. Reports from the rest of the projects were presented, demonstrating significant progress. The special needs unit held meetings in the past month with parents to raise awareness and provide guidance on caring for their children. The Vocational Training Centre received a significant order for 250 sarongs (Kikois) from Sunworld Safaris, ensuring a steady income stream. Moreover, the library announced that Junior Secondary Students have been incorporated into their schedule and will now have access to the information hub.

In the Advocacy department, the radio fans group successfully registered as a Community-Based Organization, fostering community cohesion and collective action. Overall, the meeting was successful in assessing progress and aligning efforts to further enhance Ruben Centre as an organization dedicated to making a positive impact in the community. We extend our appreciation to all staff members for their dedication and commitment to Ruben Centre's mission. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence and positively transform lives.

Photos and story by: Ruben Centre Communications Department