Some 120 people from various branches of the Vincentian Family gathered in Nairobi, Kenya for an intense three-day workshop focused on wise asset management, strategic planning and grant writing. Fr. Bob Maloney, C.M., Fr. Joe Agostino, C.M., and Sr. Marge Clifford, D.C.  led the presentations. This workshop is part of a series of workshops held around the globe. See other workshops on FamVin. Father Gary Mueller CM provided the following provides brief summaries of each day and photo galleries of the project.

Day 1 – Wise Asset Management WORKSHOP IN KENYA – 2015

Monday, 21st February 2015

On a sunny Saturday, congregations and lay groups from the Vincentian family as well as other invited guests numbering about 120 gathered at De Paul Centre, Nairobi,Kenya for the Wise Asset Management, Strategic Planning, and Grant Writing Workshop led by Fr. Bob Maloney, C.M., Fr. Joe Agostino, C.M., and Sr. Marge Clifford, D.C. Sr. Catherine Mulligan, D.C. opened the proceedings with a prayer.

The Master of Ceremonies, Mr. John Bosco Idiama, C.M., introduced Sr. Marge and she began her presentation on Expectations, Vincentian and Theological Background and Advancement and Fundraising. Next, Fr. Maloney was called upon to present on the topic of Systemic Change and Advancement.

Afterwards, John Bosco alerted the participants to the presence of Sr. Cecilia of the Daughters of St. Paul. They staffed a book display with helpful, supplementary resources. At the tea break, the participants enjoyed an informal tour of DePaul Woodworking Program at DePaul Centre, a program designed to teach carpentry skills to young men and women from the slums.

When the break ended, Fr. Agostino took the stage and gave an informative presentation on the topic of stewardship followed by Fr. Maloney who spoke of collaboration in the Vincentian family. Lunchtime was a joyful opportunity to greet old friends and make new friends.

The participants gathered in the assembly hall again at 2:30 in the afternoon after the tasty lunch and a time to relax. Fr. Agostino took the stage and he led the participants in an exercise to create Mission Statements. They began with discussing in groups regarding the work of each person. Next, they chose one area that they wished to present. One by one the group leaders presented their mission statements before the assembled group. Fr. Joe solicited comments from the other participants that created an interesting discussion about how to craft a concise mission statement. Fr. Joe congratulated everyone for the excellent ideas.

Afterwards, the participants were given a ten minutes break. When the break ended the participants assembled back in the hall as Fr. Agostino again led them to discuss in groups the goals and objectives of their ideas. When they were through the answer and question session began where Fr. Maloney, Fr. Agostino and Sr. Marge were answering questions asked by the participants. Afterwards, the participants were allowed to go to the Dream Project (program for the people who are HIV positive) and thus the Seminar ended with a word of prayer led by Sr. Ailish.

Day 2 WAM WORKSHOP IN KENYA – 2015

On a sunny Sunday, when most people were preparing to go to Church, here at DePaul Centre, all of the participants were eagerly waiting for the second day of the Wise Asset Management, Strategic Planning, and Grant Writing Workshop which began at 9 am.

The participants assembled in the seminar hall and Fr. Agostino was the first speaker to give a presentation on Strategic Planning and Case Statements. The participants were given a chance to present their goals and objectives, which they had discussed the previous day. Any comments regarding the presentations were welcomed and thus people were able to learn much.

After the presentation, it was already time for a 30 minute tea break. At 11:00 am, the participants assembled and Sr. Marge gave an educative presentation on Project Writing: Preliminary Steps. When she was finished, she welcomed the participants to ask questions or give any comments.

At 12:30 pm, it was time for the lunch break where participants were able to relax nd exchange thoughts and ideas.

At 3:00 pm, the participants gathered back and Sr. Marge continued her presentation on the project writing process.

At 4:20 pm, she told the participants to come up with a project regarding the statement of need and each group would make a presentation the following day (Monday). After that, the participants prepared themselves for the celebration of the Mass.

Day 3 WAM WORKSHOP IN KENYA – 2015

It was now the beginning of the week and the third day of the WAM workshop on Monday, February 23, 2015 at the De Paul Centre, Kenya. The seminar began at 9:00 a.m. where all the participants had assembled together in the assembly. The seminar started with a song where the participants sang melodiously. When they were done Sr. …… led us in prayer and then after Sr. Marge continued on her presentation on the Project Writing Process.

As usual, the participants were expected to give their presentations on the Statement of Need which they had discussed the previous day. As usual, any comments were welcomed. When she was done, it was 10:15 a.m. and the participants were released for a tea break. During the tea break they all took a group photo. At 10:30 a.m. the participants assembled again for the next session where Sr. Marge was to finish her presentation on Project Writing process. When she was done, she called Fr. Agostino who was to give a presentation on Budgeting. When he was through with, the floor was open for questions regarding the presentations, which the speakers confidently answered.

When they were done, it was time for lunch break and thus the participants went out to have their lunch and view the surrounding areas. After lunch, they assembled together, sang a song and when they were done, Sr. Marge informed the participants what they should do when applying for funding when there are no guidelines. Fr. Agostino also informed the participants that they should stick to their budgetary proposal. Fr. Maloney made a good presentation on Sustainability. He gave the participants 10 minutes to share their ideas on the sources their parishes use to obtain finances.

Fr. Maloney opened the floor for any questions the participants could ask. He gave them 2 minutes to sit back, relax and think of some questions. After the speakers had left, Mr. John Bosco invited Fr. Gary to take us through how we were to thank them since they had given very good presentations all free of charge!! After that the seminary came to an end.