It takes a great team

It is such a privilege to work with a team where there is dedication, resourcefulness, commitment and good humour in such abundance.

This week we had one of our regular Tuesday team meetings where we shared appreciation for our colleagues and mentioned successes that we wanted to celebrate. We are a small team based in Africa and the UK and we try and keep things lean so that as much as possible can flow to local communities. As we went around and each person shared, I was struck, as I often am, by just how much my colleagues are doing week by week. And the fantastic teamwork that makes it all possible - from finance to field officer, from communications to community training.

It’s currently the rainy season in East Africa and planting and restoration activities are in full swing. Joshua, Edwin, Korir, Mercy and Wycliffe have been spending a lot of time visiting all of the projects, away from their families, making sure that everything is going to plan, offering advice and guidance so that all of the projects have the best chance of success.

The aim of our team meeting was for us to show appreciation to each other and the appreciation spilled over. A recurring theme as we went round was the recognition of the hard efforts of the local communities and partners with whom we work. There is such a strong collective sense that we’re in this together. The picture above that Joshua took this week in Dundori (in the rain) tells the story of collective effort.

I also heard the appreciation that the team expressed for all those who support ITF’s restoration efforts. At ITF we all know that every tree needs care and nurturing if it is going to survive and thrive. But as a team we also know that every pound we receive must be carefully stewarded so that it can bear fruit. So I’m passing on that appreciation to you for your support to ITF, whether you have recently come on board or have supported ITF for many, many years.

My colleagues also expressed gratitude for the rain though some of the team in the UK felt that they’d seen quite enough rain!

Margaret Mead’s much-quoted phrase comes to mind: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Thank you for being part of it.

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