“Great discoveries and improvements invariably
involve the cooperation of many minds. I may be given credit for having blazed
the trail, but when I look at the subsequent developments; I feel the credit is
due to others rather than myself.” Alexander Graham Bell
Today, just before Christmas I feel like
writing about something special, something that has helped me to grow as a
leader. I’ve already mentioned English
Summer/Winter Camps a few times on this blog, but this time I will share my
experience from being a part of a great team - English Summer/Winter Camp T.E.A.M
-Together Everyone Achieves More. I don’t
think it’s possible to describe this in writing as it’s more about feelings,
but will have a go.
English Summer/Winter Camps is a charity
program run by Project Management Institute Gdansk Branch since 2004 (summer
edition) and 2010 winter edition. The main goal is to let the children deprived
of such possibility take part in English language courses. Apart from English
lessons kids have an opportunity to take part in other educational/motivational
activities including project management. Every camp is organized by a group o
volunteers.
Almost 10 years, 12 editions (13th in progress), more than 1000 kids and hundreds of volunteers.
 |
| English Winter Camp 2013 team devoting their Saturday to plan the project |
First time I joined the initiative was ESC 2009
– just attended the final event, so not much contribution from my side, but
that day changed my life – I decided to get involved! Started as a Project
Manager of two 2010 editions – it was my idea to extend the program to winter
camps and then playing a role of a mentor and coach till today.
And now I cannot imagine my life without this
amazing experience 2 times a year – the most what I admire is the collaboration
of a group of people who believe that together they can change the World. All
the players devote their free time, working mainly weekends and nights for 4-5
moths or even more (those involved in a few editions) to make a difference for
a group of young members of our society. Although the goal is the same, each project is
different as created by a different group of people – the diversity,
creativeness and the engagement make each edition an unforgettable experience.
For example in coming winter edition in the
cooperation with LPP children will take part in a real fashion show. On the
catwalk, boys and girls will be dressed in clothes from a collection of
Reserved donated by LPP. The fashion show will be fun and a great adventure,
but also it will help the children to build their self-esteem and to boost
their confidence.
And since last summer edition we have adopted some Agile practices which really improved communication and reduced documentation, generally helped us to use our valuable time in more efficient way. We’ve succeed as we’ve managed to create a spirit of unity – although of diverse backgrounds and skills we really work well together as a single team to achieve a common goal – both children and our growth.
And since last summer edition we have adopted some Agile practices which really improved communication and reduced documentation, generally helped us to use our valuable time in more efficient way. We’ve succeed as we’ve managed to create a spirit of unity – although of diverse backgrounds and skills we really work well together as a single team to achieve a common goal – both children and our growth.
 |
| The Spirit of the Team by Marcin Targowski, ESC/EWC volunteer |
“Life is an
opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is
beauty, admire it.
Life is a
dream, realize it.
Life is a
challenge, meet it.
Life is a
duty, complete it.
Life is a
game, play it.
Life is a
promise, fulfill it.
Life is
sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a
song, sing it.
Life is a
struggle, accept it.
Life is a
tragedy, confront it.
Life is an
adventure, dare it.
Life is
luck, make it.
Life is too
precious, do not destroy it.
Life is
life, fight for it.” Mother Teresa
Wish you a
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
No comments:
Post a Comment