The OWACDO 2026 retreat gave staff and volunteers dedicated time to review programmes, examine challenges and agree how the organisation can improve service delivery to women, children and vulnerable communities.
Reflection focused on the organisation’s work in 2025: what achieved meaningful results, what proved difficult and what lessons should shape the year ahead.
Honest review creates stronger programmes
The retreat encouraged frank, open and mutual conversation. Team members looked beyond activity counts to consider programme quality, coordination and the experiences of the communities OWACDO serves.
Reviewing challenges together helps prevent repeated mistakes and makes room for practical improvements. It also allows staff and volunteers in different roles to understand how their work connects across planning, field delivery, monitoring, safeguarding and communication.
Strengthening teamwork in the humanitarian space
Participants considered how to strengthen team effort across the organisation’s humanitarian and development work. Clearer collaboration is particularly important when programmes involve multiple partners, vulnerable participants and changing field conditions.
The retreat helped align expectations and renew a shared sense of responsibility. Staff and volunteers left with a clearer understanding of collective priorities and the need to support one another while maintaining accountability.
A renewed focus for 2026
OWACDO concluded the retreat energised and focused, with a roadmap for delivering more meaningful and sustainable impact. The process reaffirmed that strong community programmes begin with teams willing to learn and adapt.
Throughout 2026, the organisation will apply these lessons across its work on health, protection, gender equality, livelihoods and social inclusion, keeping the rights and dignity of community members at the centre.