(Accra 27th January, 2025) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) hosted its Annual Retreat from January 23–24, 2025, bringing together staff from its seven departments to reflect, reconnect, and strategize for the year ahead. Held at the Centre’s premises, the retreat was uniquely tailored to align with KAIPTC’s new five-year Strategic Plan and celebrate its 20th-anniversary.
The retreat served as a platform for staff to evaluate past achievements, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration, and align their departmental goals with the Centre’s strategic objectives.
A New Focus on Well-being and Collaboration
Breaking away from traditional retreat formats, this year’s event emphasized mental health and team cohesion as key components of workplace productivity. The retreat featured stress management sessions and team-building activities designed to create a supportive and collaborative environment for staff.
“This year’s retreat represents a paradigm shift, as we seek not only to review our operational strategies but also to nurture the well-being of our team,” said Ms. Horname Noagbesenu, Director, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Department. “Our focus on mental health underscores the importance of fostering a balanced and motivated workforce, especially as we celebrate two decades of impactful work.”
To maintain operational focus, departments held separate meetings to discuss their 2025 work plans before the joint retreat. This approach ensured that specific work plans and departmental objectives could be thoroughly addressed without compromising the broader goals of collaboration and unity.
Strategic Alignment and 20th-Anniversary Reflections
The retreat also provided an opportunity to revisit the Centre’s new Strategic Plan, which prioritizes strengthening the capacities of ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations; leveraging evidence-based research; promoting gender equity and youth inclusion; enhancing sustainability through partnerships; and boosting visibility to advance peace and security across Africa.
The retreat also reflected on KAIPTC’s legacy while looking forward to its vision for the future as part of the Centre’s 20th-anniversary celebrations.
Retreat Activities
Day one of the retreat featured a lecture on stress management and mental health. Facilitated by an expert resource person, staff were taken through the causes and effects of stress and how they could be managed. The day ended with a special quiz competition among teams made up of staff from across departments. The quiz tested staff knowledge on KAIPTC and its activities, as well as regional issues in politics, current affairs and sports. The day rounded off with a treasure hunt and bonding blitz.
There were a number of teambuilding activities on day two. Teams participated in corporate aerobics, and competitive games such as jama, hook a duck, open lock game, big sack race, art and a relay race. The non-competitive games were pool, ludo, scrabble, cards, table tennis, and archery.
An awards ceremony was held at the end of the retreat to celebrate group achievements
Outcomes and Impact
By the end of the retreat, participants left re-energized and equipped with stress management strategies, a deeper sense of teamwork, and a renewed commitment to KAIPTC’s mission. The sessions strengthened interpersonal relationships among colleagues, bridging gaps and fostering a collaborative spirit. The retreat reinforces KAIPTC’s commitment to investing in its people, ensuring they are empowered to contribute effectively to the Centre’s goals. As KAIPTC embarks on another year of impactful work, the 2025 Annual Retreat set4s a strong foundation for success, blending strategic planning with a focus on the well-being of its most important asset: its staff.
