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Keep the Spark Alive: A Day of Wellness, Learning, and Connection
On a sun-kissed Friday in November, the There Is Hope team gathered along the serene shores of Salima’s lake, stepping away from the daily grind to focus on something deeply essential: mental well-being and team unity. With the generous support of Imago Dei Fund, this year’s annual retreat, aptly named Keep the Spark Alive (KSA), was all about refreshing spirits, building connections, and learning how to foster a healthier work environment.
Embracing Wellness by the Water
Keep the Spark Alive mental health wellness session
This year, TIH took a fresh approach to the retreat, inviting a mental health expert to lead the day’s discussions. Against the tranquil backdrop of the lake, the facilitator, Stivelia Veronica Rethabile Ngwenyama shared transformative strategies to help staff declutter their minds, manage stress, and support each other.
Here’s what stood out:
- Declutter Your Mind, Boost Your Productivity
Stivelia kicked things off with a crucial reminder: our minds are often overflowing with worries and distractions that can cloud our focus. To be truly productive, it’s vital to clear mental clutter and prioritize what matters. The message was clear – a calm mind leads to clearer thinking and better work.
- Making Connections Beyond the Desk
In today’s fast-paced work culture, it’s easy to forget that a team is not just a collection of individuals – they are people with stories, interests, and lives beyond their roles. The facilitator encouraged everyone to get to know their colleagues on a more personal level. Even small gestures of connection can create a culture of belonging, where every team member feels valued.
- Knowing Yourself is Empowering
Self – awareness is often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily tasks. The group discussed the importance of recognizing personal strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. Understanding oneself better can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced professional life.
- Stress Comes in Many Forms
One of the retreat’s most eye-opening moments was a deep dive into workplace stressors. Some are clear-cut, too much workload or feelings of underappreciation. But others are more subtle and often personal. Acknowledging both work-related and internal stressors was identified as a key step toward achieving holistic well-being.
- A New Concept: Compassion Days
The idea that garnered the most excitement was the concept of Compassion Days – an opportunity for employees to take a break when they are feeling mentally overwhelmed. This small step towards a more compassionate workplace recognizes that productivity is not just about pushing through; it’s about knowing when to pause and recharge.
From Learning to Laughing: Team Bonding Through Play
As the sun climbed higher over Salima’s sparkling waters, the retreat shifted gears from serious discussions to some well-earned fun. Staff members dove into an afternoon of games and physical activities designed to build bonds and boost morale. Laughter echoed across the shoreline as colleagues teamed up for friendly competitions and exercises that emphasized teamwork and trust.
Group Team members celebrate sports victory.
And of course, by default, the games ended with a good swim and relaxation in the cool waters of Lake Malawi.
The joy of the day was a powerful reminder that play is a crucial part of any workplace, not just for fun but to strengthen relationships and refresh the mind.
As the retreat came to a close, it was clear that the Keep the Spark Alive event had been more than just a break from routine. It was a reminder of why mental wellness matters – not only for personal growth but for creating a vibrant, supportive community within the workplace. The lessons learned will resonate far beyond the lakeside, influencing the way There Is Hope approaches teamwork, wellness, and support in the future.
“Our annual retreat isn’t just about unwinding,” Lovemore Odillo, a carpentry instructor remarked. “It’s about coming together, learning from each other, and being reminded of the value we bring as a team.”
With the sun setting over the lake, the team departed Salima with renewed energy, valuable insights, and a shared commitment to making the workplace more compassionate, connected, and productive.
Looking Ahead
With funding from Imago Dei Fund, The Keep the Spark Alive retreat is just one way of investing in the well-being of our staff, and it won’t be the last. With a renewed focus on mental wellness, TIH is excited to continue fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
As we move forward, the lessons learned by the lake will serve as a foundation for a workplace that values well-being as much as productivity. A big thank you to the Imago Dei Fund for making this special day possible, and to every staff member who made it truly memorable.