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SALLP 2002 Training Programme
CANDIDATES' INSIGHTS AND PERCEPTIONS OF THE TRAINING PROGRAMME
Whilst in the United States, each participant forwarded reports to their line managers and the LIASA National Office.
However upon their return to South Africa, and having been given some time to resettle, they were requested to forward
an insightful report on their experiences with particular emphasis upon the impact the SALLP has had on them as individuals
and professionals. Some of their comments are as follows:
"Some days I felt stretched to the limit, but realized that leadership is also about operating successfully under pressure.
I soon learnt to operate beyond the limits of pressure. I emerged stronger and more focussed." Rachel More
"Although I had planned on fundraising before attending the SALLP, the presentations and seminars on fundraising changed
my way of approaching this task and the importance I will attach to fundraising. I have already paid a visit to a major
company for the purpose of establishing a relationship before requesting for funding. I approached this with a clear
strategy and renewed confidence. I was very pleased with the outcome, because I was asked to submit a proposal before
the end of November 2002... My perceptions are that by attending the programme we are seen as people who can add value
to the profession." Joyce Gozo
"Robert Wedgeworth ... encourages global library leadership, which he qualified as having: a compelling vision,
clear agenda, personal philosophy, enduring relationships and worldliness. He encouraged us to navigate the global route by:
focusing on our destinations, remain flexible, expect the unexpected, recognize the expertise of others, and most importantly,
we must pay our own way. He also emphasized the importance of library cooperatives, which should start in the education of
librarians in library schools. This to me was the main message..." Tshidi Makhafola
"This program gave me the opportunity to reflect on my situation and I realized that I am limiting myself; there are so
many opportunities for me, and areas where I can contribute. I must add that being taken from my comfort zone for 6 weeks
I must now decide [whether] I want to get back into it or explore new opportunities. I do believe I got all the knowledge
to venture into new grounds... SALLP GAVE ME WINGS!" Karin Kitching
"It did not take long for one to observe that the issues of honesty, transparency and acknowledgment were significant ones.
Everyone who needed to be, was told immediately that the job they were doing was an important one or that they did it well,
or that their efforts were well appreciated. This was evidenced by the fact that staff felt inspired and empowered.
The sense of belonging was also one of pride, that of being a valuable team-player in the organisation." Veena Jayaram
"The most relevant in my situation and which I had to draw on almost immediately is CHANGE MANAGEMENT... I
am equipped to inform staff of the importance of change; management of possible conflict and create mechanisms
to keep staff informed about the process and basically take them with us as we walk the path of change in the
library services. It is however not possible to implement what I've learned, all at one time and I am confident that
I will be able to use them all as the situation present itself in my personal life as well as in my different capacities
I serve on LIASA and any other organisation." Tommy Matthee
"From the lessons learnt I could see that advocacy is an art and if mastered properly could be an excellent
tool in sensitising politicians and high ranking officials...It is imperative that librarians are also taught
ways of transforming ones thinking process to deal with the changes of time and new policy and paradigm shifts
in government." Branham Francis
Overall, it was considered an extremely challenging and stimulating experience. The array of topics experienced through
various styles of presentations, seminars, workshops, lectures and visits definitely contributed towards extending people
beyond their limits and expectations. This has, indeed, imbued all with a renewed sense of commitment to the profession and
the Association.
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