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KOP - UK Experience, Beth Odingo

I am Beth Akinyi Odingo and I came to the UK from Kenya through the 2011 Commonwealth Fellowship Scholarship which was hosted by Widows and Orphan International.

I work in Kenya as a Project coordinator for the Omega Foundation, in a community based organization called Nyando Orphans and Widows Association –Moyie (NOWA). My role rotates around coordinating projects, staff and volunteers. 

My three month fellowship took me through training sessions, conferences, events and sharing of work experience with the host organization and the Great Nile Trust.

My best training was on inspirational leadership and management where the five pillars of leadership were outlined:

Individualize –weakness and strength of the team and supervisor;

Freedom and Trust- delegation, job ownership and accountability;

Support and Value- Being able to identify the support the team needs and actively listening to the team;

Challenges- Being able to identify challenges which stops team members from giving their best and as a supervisor giving constructive and positive feedback;

Engage the team – Being able to identify how to foster a positive and creative culture within your team .

My most memorable event was KOP's 10^th year anniversary dinner. I had the chance to sit in one of the best hotels - The Savoy, have dinner there and interact with KOP friends and witness how an auction for fundraising is conducted in the UK.

My fellowship will go a long way in helping me with internal staff and volunteer management. I hope to be a better supervisor with teams that are motivated to help the organization get the best outputs.

My experience in the UK has changed my outlook on life socially and culturally.

Beth Odingo