ASA Newsletter 2017

asa news African Guarantee Fund Staff Association – Issue 1 | February 2018

I

wish to extend a warm welcome to each of our ASA members. As we embark on 2018, I would like to start by acknowledging and appreciating the former Committee whose two-year mandate came to an end in February 2017. As the pioneer Committee, they formed the foundation of ASA. The current ASA Committee took office in May 2017. During this period, we began by wanting to hear from our members on the direction and activities the Staff Association could take. This was done through a baseline survey whose results were then shared with all members. Key aspects of the results included a review of member contributions as well as the implementation of a check-off system to enable dues to be remitted in a timely manner. We also brought the team together for what we have fondly come to know as TGIFs on a bi-monthly basis.

In 2018 we endeavor to implement CSR activities with the first one scheduled for Q1. We also plan to host monthly activity for members with the aim of at least one out-of-office group activity per quarter.

On behalf of the ASA Committee, I wish to thank you for your participation, feedback and general goodwill. We look forward to ASA having its best year yet!

Sincerely,

Josphat Ngaruiya ASA Patron

Your Committee Members

Josphat Ngaruiya Patron

Rehema Kahurananga Chair

Marie Rehema Gonna Member – Events

Stephen Kibuci Member – Events

Peter Murimi Treasurer

Sandra Locoh-Bernard Member

Diana Aluga Secretary

Emmanuel Rutsimba Member

Have an idea for an activity, general feedback or any other ASA-related issue?

Feel free to reach out to any of the Committee Members.

2017

Celebrations

Of Wedded Bliss and Bouncing Babies In 2017, we were thrilled to see Diana Aluga walk down the aisle in June to become Mrs Smartie. We also added more members to the AGF family by way of cute bundles of joy to the following colleagues: Daisy Wanjie (Baby boy); Constant (Baby girl); and Ali Ballo (Baby boy).

Oh How We Love Fridays! ASA invited members to unwind with drinks and bitings through bi-monthly TGIFs. In April 2017, we took TGIF to Churrasco Gaucho in Kilimani, Nairobi to celebrate staff promotions and recognition at various capacities.

Birthdays As is the ASA tradition, every member’s birthday is a reason to come together and celebrate. In 2017, we went a step further by marking each birthday on the actual day, or as close to the date as possible. Along with the usual cake, we also incorporated a mall gift voucher.

International Women’s Day Every year in March the

world marks International Women’s Day. This year, each of the women in our Nairobi office were gifted with lovely products from local skincare brand D’Vine.

Africa Day One of the definitions available online for Africa

Day is “The annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world.” This year ASA members were invited to wear traditional attire and share a meal in the office to commemorate the event. On display were flags from each of the African countries represented by AGF’s staff.

The Christmas Spirit In December, AGF departed from the traditional end of year dinner, and instead hosted staff and their families to a fun-filled day out at Zen Garden. Children and spouses/partners of staff were treated to games, a three-course lunch and lots of enjoyment to mark the end of a successful year. The unforgettable icing on the cake was each child receiving a generous gift from the organization presented by none other than our CEO and Father Christmas. We are looking forward to the next one!

Thanks For Your Insight In Q2, the ASA Committee rolled out a baseline survey to get a sense of our members’ thoughts on a variety of issues including what activities could be undertaken, member dues, what has been working well and what can be further improved. The results were shared in Q3 and subsequently discussed during a members meeting. We continue to endeavor incorporating your feedback. If you need to refer to the survey results, please contact Steve Kibuci.

In 2018 we look forward to offering you more as our valued members. This includes actualising our CSR activities, health and wellness opportunities, and more outdoor adventures along with the regular events. As always, we are grateful for your support.