EVENTS
As we enter our 20th year and continue our journey of scale and impact, the key management team at The Opentree Foundation took a step back to acknowledge each other’s efforts and discuss ways to further the cause of Right to Play.
In a series of workshops, packed with fun and learning, our team participated in discussions surrounding the essential qualities required to reach our organisation’s goal.
On March 7, 2024, the workshop began with a very warm teamwork exercise that had everyone grinning. We discussed essential qualities required to grow, as an organisation and individually. The team shared life stories and those from the field that helped us see different perspectives.
“There is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.”
At the offsite held over the March 8, 2024, weekend, we dropped all our inhibitions to simply be ourselves. The day began with fun play-based activities and reflections on the previous day’s workshops. We further went on to discuss the core idea of the foundation, the problem we’re trying to solve and how we plan to get there. It was wonderful to see how every team member had their own ideas tied to the organisation’s vision and mission.
The evening was spent playing music, singing away, dancing to our favourite music, jumping on trampolines, being quiet, laughing out loud at the silliest of things, and most importantly being ‘children’ again. The team had prepared performances, some impromptu, showcasing their talent and ensuring everyone had a good time. The evening also provided us all an opportunity to get to know each other beyond work.
While we continued to spread our wings, we paused to be grateful to one another as a team, we acknowledged the beautiful efforts each one brought into this amazing work space and we prepared ourselves for what’s to come. The offsite was one of a kind!
Here’s what our team had to say:
The workshop and offsite helped me learn new skills and also reshaped my perspective towards work and collaboration. The sessions encouraged me to think outside the box, thus pushing me beyond my limits and bringing innovation into the work I’ll do.
Samita Parab,
Manager, Programme Delivery
Creating a healthy atmosphere is crucial for any team and these workshops helped us learn better and grow together.
Chause Shaikh,
Assistant Manager, Programme Delivery
The offsite was a much needed pause to reflect, and rejoice before stepping into the new financial year. It was a mix of learning, bonding and playing. I got to reflect once again on the bigger picture, and it was a timely reminder that “I’m not just laying a brick, but I’m building the most magnificent church!” I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the fun side of our teammates and bringing out my inner happy self in the recreational activities we had. I’m ready and looking forward to the new year!
Jayashankar E,
Senior Manager, Systems and M&E
An organisation can only GROW when they follow the G.R.O.W values. Accepting responsibility for one’s own actions and the idea that we are all in this together are two of the concepts that most resonated with me. These workshops allow us to see the true impact of our efforts and the difference we make in the lives of children. This workshop truly helped me think critically and rationally about various ideas through which we can take play to all children. It also made me realise we are all working towards the same problem, and by working together, we can take play to every child.
Alisha Lobo
Assistant Manager, Programme Delivery
The most important lesson from the workshop was that while we should constantly be focusing on certain projects and tasks, we also need to be conscious of our surroundings and what’s going on. Workshops like these allow the team members to remember and reflect on the work they have done and their responsibilities towards the organisation and the team.
Omkar Bhopi,
Assistant Manager, Programme Delivery
The weekend was filled with learnings, happiness, takeaways and memories to cherish. One of the key takeaways from the workshop and offsite visit was to take support from the people around us in the organisation. I think such workshops are essential for boosting team spirit and reflecting on our work. The cause at Toybank is what motivates me to work and do more for children so that they have access to quality play and develop life skills that are essential for their better future.
Juhi Shah,
Programme Coordinator, Volunteer Action
