The Ifakara Health Institute has been diligently focusing on improving the skills and well-being of its staff who are nearing retirement. In this endeavor, they have joined forces with Epvate & Fortune International Consulting to host a series of workshops titled "Life Skills, Entrepreneurship & Creating a Roadmap for a Meaningful Retirement".

The first group of staff attended the workshop in November last year for both Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam stations. Similar sessions have been conducted for staff based in the Institute's Ifakara Branch in May 2024.

Bagamoyo staff get their share!

From May 20-22, 2024, the retirement workshop was also held at the Ifakara’s Bagamoyo branch offices, where the staff were equipped with a diverse range of skills, focusing not only on those nearing retirement age but also on employees at various stages of their careers, underscoring the significance of starting retirement preparations well in advance to ensure a secure and meaningful post-career life.

One participant, Wilmina Kalinga, a Lab Scientist at Ifakara Health Institute, shared her positive experience from the workshop stating, "It has given me knowledge and a better understanding of proper ways to spend and budget, and planning in life." She further added, "With this training, I have learned the importance of investment and identified potential areas for investment as well."

Another round for Dar staff

From June 3-5, 2024, a training session for Ifakara staff at the Dar branch was conducted at the Mbezi Garden Hotel. The participants include employees at various stages in their careers. 

Msafri Lucas, an ICT support staff member at the Dar branch, who is still early in his career, expressed his hopes of gaining knowledge on how to properly prepare for the future. He also showed a keen interest in learning more about the investment opportunities available to him.

Objectives of the workshops

The primary goal of this training as described by Ifakara's Human Resources Unit is to introduce staff to the fundamentals of effective life skills, entrepreneurship, health management, money management (personal finance, personal budgeting, and investment), and business management. The benefits of this training are not only limited to the workplace but extend to all retirees looking to achieve their post-retirement goals.

The training has a variety of teaching methods, including short lectures, case study examples, practical templates, presentations, discussions, and even games. The goal was to create a dynamic learning environment where participants can actively engage with the material.

Led by Peter Mapigano, a soft skills consultant and CEO of Epvate & Fortune International Consulting, the sessions are designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to navigate retirement confidently.

Mapigano's expertise and engaging teaching style greatly enhanced the learning experience, enabling participants to ask questions and exchange insights with each other regarding similar experiences and milestones.

The HR team further commented that that this training not only benefits the individual but also contributes to the overall success of the Institute by having a well-prepared and motivated workforce.

For more photos from the workshops click here (Dar sessions) and here (Ifakara sessions) and here (Bagamoyo sessions)