Before I talk about this award, I remember in my last blog shortly before I left for Jasiri residential intensive, I promised to share the amazing experience once it is over. Well, I am here, confessing to you that Jasiri programme was great; it was an amazing experience, to say the least. I met amazing people; people who are inspired to create lasting change, trailblazers, innovators, humanitarians, people with good heart (I am tempted to namedrop), people with mind-blowing ingenuity. My social capital (networks) has expanded manifold, thanks to Jasiri.
Intense but worthwhile
The three months were intense with milestones to achieve, tasks to deliver on, sessions to attend at the famed ‘pressure cooker’, traction to prove, partnership deals to close, pitch decks to prepare and presentations to make. Besides all these, it was fun visiting places, enjoying Rwandan food and culture. I fondly remember these cassava leaves (isombe). Honestly, I didn’t like them, at first. But I later learnt how to like them. The evening footballs, me as the head coach, morning workouts, me as lead trainer, table tennis, as an armature-turned guru, stories at the lounge, and EPL banters, all these made Jasiri memorable. I almost forgot the Monday check in with Migs and financial coaching. Could Jasiri be more interesting without the amazing cooks? Certainly not.
I am sorry guys; I can hear you all typing on the keyboard asking me to cut to the chase. Yes, I am cutting to the chase shortly only that I could not resist the temptation to talk about the residential intensive. I wish I could go on an on. Only that I can’t.
The Wellness Award
A lot happened during the residential intensive for sure but one thing that makes it even more memorable is being feted with The Wellness Award. I was given this award for making it my personal goal to ensure that every fellow remained healthy and fit despite the dietary environment we were exposed to. Five meals a day was great and we appreciated. However, without accompanying daily moderate/high intensity physical activity, people can gain unhealthy weight during the program.
During every evening, I ensured fellows go for exercise, football on most occasions. Every morning, we were at the pressure cooker doing full body exercise and lifting weights. All these contributed to our physical health and helped us stay in shape, at least for those who were committed. It can be argued that we added 1 or two KGs, but imagine if there was no commitment to physical exercise. I (we) was not exercising for an award. But I am grateful that someone was watching the commitment put towards physical exercise. I am grateful for fellows and Jasiri for honoring with this award. It gives me goosebumps, literally. I didn’t see it coming but it came nonetheless.
ODUOR KEVIN 