It was 22nd February 2010, when I asked Nicole Fahrney for an outing to CAVE Resort – Nyanzibiri. NICOLE is an American Volunteer and had worked with COVOID for the last 5 months implementing trauma healing workshops, soccer camps with messages on HIV/AIDS prevention for school children and many other social interventions. The 1st week of match was scheduled for her to fly back to America. Thus as an organisation had to mobilise a farewell party for her on Friday 26th February 2010 and was designed to be a surprise. Remember I had already fixed an opportunity to take her out on the same day to CAVE resort but in me it was a surprise party for NICOLE.
Preparations went on and all staff were invited to attend but were cautioned not reveal that to her. Morning hours was a staff meeting, we had lunch at office for staff as usual and community based staff went home as usual but in the actual sense they were heading to the party venue.
It was 2:45pm when I rode NICOLE on the project motorcycle heading to Cave Resort after I had informed all staff that we were on the way without Nicole noticing or even suspecting. On the way we bypassed some staff still going, and I pretended by asking where they were going? Reaching at the gate, still we met 2 staff (Resty and Scovia) I still asked them what they were doing at the venue? I asked Nicole to come with me upstairs were the party was organised. She was welcomed by a ‘’swarm’’ of people who were staff.
After getting shocked, she was asked to read some farewell words on the flipchart! Still in shock she shed her tears and Resty had to help in finishing to read what had been written. Speeches, eating and drinking (soft) went on as planned, then pictures taking with Nicole took place and staff had lots of gifts to give to Nicole. The small party was concluded by a dance and by 6:30pm the party had ended.
Nicole where ever you are, we shall always remember you and every minute here; you are missed at COVOID. We still love you.
No comments:
Post a Comment