Goal setting workshop report

“A true friend knows your weaknesses but shows you your strengths; feels

your fears but fortifies your faith; sees your anxieties but frees your spirit;

recognizes your disabilities but emphasizes your possibilities.”

William Arthur Ward

Goal Setting Workshop Report Accomplishments, Challenges & Outcomes

Edmore MasendekeEndless PossibilitiesApril 2014

Goal Setting Workshop Report

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Goal Setting Workshop Report Accomplishments, Challenges & Outcomes

Figure 1: Students and facilitators pose for a photo on their way to lunch.

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2

MARKETING AND PROMOTION 2

PRESENTATIONS 3

CONSULTATIONS 4

VENUE & CATERING 5

BUDGET, SPONSORSHIP AND IN KIND SUPPORT 5

GENERAL COMMENTS ABOUT THE EVENT 5

APPENDIX A: SCHEDULE OF PRESENTATIONS 6

APPENDIX B: BUDGET 7

APPENDIX C: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EVENT GROUPED BY THEME 8

Executive Summary The Goal Setting Workshop was held from 9am to 5pm on Saturday 5th April 2014 at the Celebration Center. The event was a highly interactive, participatory gathering with 14 attendees from the University of Zimbabwe.

The feedback from participants, both via a formal survey and from anecdotal conversations on the day, indicated a very high level of satisfaction with the event. There were 8 partial responses to the survey, and 5 full responses. Due to the high response rate, the survey is considered representative of the attendee population.

The event was sponsored by 4 individuals and Celebration Ministries availed the venue to us for free. The event also received in-kind sponsorship from a number of individuals.

A total of $515 was raised in sponsorship. No revenue was raised from the event itself as students were not charged to attend the event (refer Appendix 2 for full financials). The cost of running the event was $896.68 in total, so efforts to secure additional sponsorship are ongoing.

As part of the event, the organisers held one-on-one consultations with all the attendees, with the aim of understanding their future plans, interests and needs. Most of the attendees expressed that the consultations were a relevant platform for students to give feedback and express their concerns.

There were several objectives which the Goal Setting Workshop aimed to fulfill, some of which were realised fully, and some only partially.

To reinforce self-confidence and capacity for overcoming challenges of impairment in all areas of their life: Students were taught how to play to their strengths and overcome challenges. They were also encouraged to believe in themselves and keep their expectations high.

To equip students with goal setting skills and assist them in developing individual migration paths with a particular emphasis on personal, academic and career advancement: Students were given several goal setting strategies. Presenters shared their personal experiences to illustrate how they pursued and attained some of their goals.

Marketing and promotion The event was marketed and promoted through a notice that was put up on the notice board at the Disability Resource Center (DRC). The event was also promoted at one of the students’ meeting with the coordinator of the DRC.


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Three days before the event, thirty six (36) students had signed up for the workshop. However, only fourteen (14) students attended the event. Attendees said that some of their colleagues had not shown up because they had other commitments.

Some attendees said that not enough had been done to market and promote the event as some students do not frequently visit the DRC.

Some attendees had only heard about the workshop when the bas arrived to pick up students for the event. The bus waited for an hour for students despite that they had been informed of the pick-up time a few days before the event. This delayed the start of the programme.

The 14 attendees comprised of 11 male and 3 females, with visual impairments and/or albinism, studying for qualifications in arts, political science, social work, law, education and sociology.

In addition to the 14 students, 2 visitors also attended the workshop. The workshop was facilitated a group of organisers, presenters and consultants comprising of 15 individuals, who were also present on the day of the event.

Key recommendations for improvement

Organisers should market and promote future events by visiting the university and speaking directly to the students

Consider involving students in the marketing and promotion of future events

Presentations

Figure 2: Dr Tsitsi Chataika

There were 5 30-minutepresentations given, including a video presentation, as well as 1 1-hour long presentation (please refer to Appendix A for the full

schedule). Most of the presentations were based on material that is in a handbook that the organisers prepared in advance and gave to the attendees on the day of the workshop.

Survey feedback (shown in table 1 below) indicates that the content of the workshop was relevant, comprehensive and easy to understand.

Table 1: Survey Feedback Related to Workshop Content

Additional comments were that content of the workshop was good, helpful, enjoyable and educative. One respondent wrote “The facilitators provided [us] capabilities.”

Survey feedback (shown in table 2 below) also indicates that the workshop handbook supported presentation material, provided useful additional material and is clear and well-organised.

Table 2:Survey Feedback Related to Workshop Handbook

Some attendees added that the handbook was well researched. The handbook, however, was not available in Braille despite efforts to have Braille copies printed when preparing for the workshop. This disadvantaged some of the visually impaired student. Therefore, these students did not respond to the questions relating to the handbook.

Overall, attendees felt that the workshop was well-paced, had sufficient breaks and contained a good mix between listening (presentations) and activities (shown in table 3 below).

Table 3: Survey Feedback Related to the Workshop in General

Strongly

Disagree Disagree Agree

Strongly

Agree

No

Response

2. The workshop content was:

a) Relevant 0% 0% 15% 85% 0%

b) Comprehensive 0% 0% 38% 46% 15%

c) Easy to understand 0% 0% 15% 77% 8%

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

3. The workshop handbook:

a) Supported

presentation material 0% 0% 23% 54% 23%

b) Provided useful

additional information 0% 0% 15% 46% 38%

c) Is clear and well‐

organized8% 0% 15% 38% 38%

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

4. The workshop was:

a) Well paced 0% 0% 46% 38% 15%

b) Breaks were

sufficient0% 0% 31% 69% 0%

c) A good mix

between listening and

activities

0% 8% 31% 54% 8%


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Attendees also felt that the workshop was well organized and “a good interactive learning process.”

Finally, attendees felt that the presenters were knowledgeable, well-prepared and responsive to their questions (shown in table 4 below). They encouraged us to keep on inviting specialists from different disciplines and people with disabilities among our facilitators.

Figure 3: Tafadzwa Nyamuzihwa Table 4: Survey Feedback Related to Workshop Facilitators

Videos of presentations were captured and will be made available as soon as the video post-production process is completed.


Produce Braille copies of the handbook for the benefit of students with visual impairments

Continue inviting people with disabilities as facilitators

Consultations

The afternoon sessions included group discussions and one-on-one consultation sessions with the students. Groups were tasked to do some of the activities in the handbook as consultants carried on with consultations at the same time.

Survey feedback (shown in table 5 below) also indicates that the group discussions were useful learning experiences for most students.

Table 5: Survey Feedback Related to Workshop Activities/ Group Discussions

Students also said that the group discussions allowed them to socialize and network as well as to share their goals.

According to survey feedback (shown in table 6 below) the consultations were a relevant platform for students to give feedback and express their views.

Table 6: Survey Feedback Related to Consultations

The objectives of the consultations were to:

Identify the students’ goals Identify the challenges students are facing

when pursuing their goals Identify student training needs Give students advice that will help them

attain their goals Answer any questions that the students had

in relation to the workshop or Endless Possibilities in general

Students also used this platform to share what they had learnt and to air their views and opinion. The data gathered during the consultation session is valuable to Endless Possibilities as it helps us identify the students’ training needs. Thus, it serves as input in planning for future programs.

Attendees felt that the presenters were knowledgeable, well-prepared, friendly and responsive to their questions (shown in table 7 below).

However, there was one student felt that there was poor interaction between the consultant and himself.

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

7. The facilitators were:

a) Knowledgeable 0% 0% 15% 69% 15%

b) Well‐prepared 0% 0% 38% 54% 8%

c) Responsive to

participants’ questions 0% 0% 15% 69% 15%

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

0% 8% 15% 69% 8%

5. The activities/group

discussions were useful

learning experiences

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

0% 8% 23% 62% 8%

6. The consultations

were a relevant platform

for students to give

feedback and express their

concerns


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Table 7: Survey Feedback Related to Consultants


Facilitators should play a more active role during the group discussions in order to improve their effectiveness

Consultants should improve their interaction with students

Venue & Catering

Figure 4: The table is set for lunch.

The venue was considered to be very suitable for the event. Survey feedback (shown in table 8 below) indicated that the venue was comfortable and well located; and the food and refreshments were adequate.

Table 8: Survey Feedback Related to the Venue/Catering


Provide range of cold drinks and soft drink other than just Mazoe orange crush

Budget, sponsorship and in kind support A total of $515 was raised in sponsorship. No revenue was raised from the event itself as students were not charged to attend the event.

The cost of running the event was $896.68 in total, therefore expenses exceeded income by $381.68(refer Appendix 2 for full financials). Efforts to secure additional sponsorship are ongoing.

In kind support was received in the following ways:

Venue hire by Celebration Ministries International and Connections Restaurant

Workbook layout, art and design by Rudo Chakanyuka

Additional graphic design by Raymond Gwindi

Key recommendations for improvement Make every effort to raise enough funds and

all pledges paid up before the event Clearly articulate sponsorship benefits in

both the project proposal and cover letter

General comments about the event The following is a list of the attendees’ responses to the question ‘What did you like best about this workshop?’:

They (the organisers) accommodated us I liked the consultation session It was educational and inspirational [The session on] How to achieve our goals [It] Was educational and encouraging

Other general comments made relating to the workshop were:

I enjoyed a lot I have learnt a lot of things about setting

goals and achieving them

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

8. The consultants were:

a) Knowledgeable 0% 0% 0% 69% 31%

b) Well‐prepared 0% 0% 15% 54% 31%

c) Friendly 0% 0% 15% 62% 23%

d) Responsive to

participants’ questions 0% 0% 0% 69% 31%

Strongly


Strongly

Agree

No

Response

1. The workshop venue was:

a) Comfortable 0% 0% 8% 85% 8%

b) Well located 0% 0% 15% 69% 15%

c) Food and

refreshments were

adequate

0% 0% 8% 77% 15%


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Appendix A: Programme 0730 Registration and Breakfast 0830 Welcome Remarks & Introduction Tendai Tenga 0900 Session 1: Define Success for Yourself Tendai Tenga 0930 Session 2: “Do not DIS my ABILITIES”: Understand your strengths and weaknesses. Play to your strengths. Dr Tsitsi Chataika 1030 TEA BREAK 1045 Session 3: Set Personal, Academic, and Career Goals Kuda Mzembe 1115 Session 4: Develop Strategies to Reach Your Goals TBA 1145 Session 5: Keep Your Expectations High Tafadzwa Nyamuziwha 1215 Session 6: The F* word Evan Mawarire (video presentation) 1230 Groups; Instructions; Announcements Gift Tenga 1245 LUNCH 1345 Consultations and Group Discussions Consultants: Tinashe, Shasha, Kuda, Simbarashe, Pamela, Vimbai Standby: Gift, Kelvin, Tsitsi 1600 Round-up, Recap, Question and Answer, Evaluation & Closing Remarks Gift Tenga 1700 Close


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Appendix B: Budget Income

Sponsorship

Rumbi $ 20.00

Dr. M Wazara $ 95.00

Mr. T Matanga (pledge still to be fulfilled) $ 100.00

Mr. S Sibanda (pledge still to be fulfilled) $ 300.00

TOTAL INCOME $ 515.00 Expenses (see breakdown of expenses below) $ 896.68

SHORTFALL $ 381.68 Expenses

Quantity Item Description Unit Cost Total Cost

13.33 Fuel Transport & Logistics $ 1.50 $ 20.00

3.33 Fuel Transport for DJ Nyamz $ 1.50 $ 5.00

20 Pens $ 4.30

20 Exam Pads $ 0.60 $ 12.00

6 Mineral Water 5L $ 1.90 $ 11.40

6 Mineral Water 2L $ 0.80 $ 4.80

2 Sweets $ 1.50 $ 3.00

4 Drinks 2L Mazoe Orange $ 2.99 $ 11.96

1 Coffee $ 5.65 $ 5.65

1 Powdered Milk $ 2.70 $ 2.70

1 White Sugar $ 1.90 $ 1.90

1 Rooibos Tea $ 3.00 $ 3.00

3 Fruit Juice $ 1.99 $ 5.97

Buscuits Assorted $ 10.00

DJ Nyamz Gratuity $ 15.00

2 Transport To ferry students to venue and back $ 10.00 $ 20.00

10 Printing Sponsorship Proposals $ 1.20 $ 12.00

60 Printing Sponsorship Letters $ 0.25 $ 15.00

1 Printing Sample Workshhop Handbook $ 8.00 $ 8.00

30 Printing Workshop Handbook $ 5.00 $ 150.00

3 Stationary Blank CDs for video recordings $ 5.00 $ 15.00

10 Catering Breakfast and lunch $ 30.00 $ 300.00

8 Training Disability Awareness Workshop $ 20.00 $ 160.00

10 Meeting Strategic Planning $ 10.00 $ 100.00

TOTAL $ 896.68


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Appendix C: Highlights of the event grouped by theme Venue

- Comfortable - The venue was excellent and the

refreshments were good - The administration succeeded - Palatable meals were provided - The venue was well set and accessible

Workshop content

- Good - Everything was relevant, comprehensive and

understandable - It was understandable and helpful - It is good… enjoyed, educative - The facilitators provided capabilities - Learnt greatly

Handbook

- Perfect - The handbook is full of relevant material - Was not accessible to the visually impaired - Well researched and well prepared

Presentations

- Well organized - A good interactive learning process

Activities/group discussions

- The activities were well organized - The activities allowed socialization and

networking - I also get some goals of others - Funny

Consultations

- Yes as students we were able to share what we have learnt

- I really enjoyed the consultation session - I managed to air my views and comments

Facilitators

- Facilitators were excellent - Keep on inviting specialists from various

disciplines - Keep on inviting PWDs as facilitators - They were well prepared

Consultants

- Active and well prepared - Interaction was poor

What did you like best about this workshop?

- They accommodated us - I liked the consultation session - It was educational and inspirational - [The session on] How to achieve our goals - [It] Was educational and encouraging

General feedback

- I enjoyed a lot - I have learnt a lot of things about setting

goals and achieving them

Presentations & Public Speaking

Goal setting workshop report