Anne McFarlane (Sales, RSC), Laura Zammit (At Home), Amber Taylor (Collins Street VIC), Kelly Savill (Westlakes SA) and Kaye Findlay (At Home) participated in the Inspiration Scheme in Vanuatu in August 2007.The Inspiration Scheme is a truly exceptional experience. It is not an ordinary workshop; but rather a life changing experience. To know that in one week of your life you can make such a difference to others is quite humbling.
During the week we spent in Vanuatu it did not take long for our TBS staff to realise that the workshop was not about training, but rather about sharing our skills and knowledge. Relishing in the opportunity to help open the minds of the participants and draw out the answers that they each had within. We were there to guide, grow, develop and stretch the participants’ ideas, reassure them, challenge their perceptions and most of all inspire
them to be the best that they can be. Every second, every minute and every interaction was an opportunity for the participants and TBS staff to SHINE!
Although it was very hard to leave, we left feeling tremendously proud and privileged at the opportunity we were given and the new friends we had made! I had the honour of presenting the certificates and speaking on behalf of TBS at the closing ceremony, below is a part of the lasting message, for some of you this will look similar:
“When we leave remember to have supreme confidence in yourself and your abilities. Know you can do anything that you put your mind to. Develop unrelenting determination and commitment to follow through on whatever you desire to do. The certificates presented to you today aren’t about completing this workshop - They are symbolic of your commitment to yourself, your community, your future and the future of Vanuatu! It speaks volumes about the immensely talented and inspirational person that you are!”
This message brought tears to the eyes of many of the participants and us included. I wanted to share this, as it is reflective of the intensity of the friendships this workshop creates. To be immersed in a new culture and to work with local representatives who passionately care about the welfare and future of their people is truly enriching in every aspect.
Without the commitment and vision of The Body Shop, United Nations, and the Commonwealth Youth Program, this workshop would not be possible.
It is however the commitment of the people who make it the true success. Amber, Kelly, Laura & Kaye would have made you proud and were outstanding ambassadors for The Body Shop. We left knowing that every day they & WE have a choice:
During the week we spent in Vanuatu it did not take long for our TBS staff to realise that the workshop was not about training, but rather about sharing our skills and knowledge. Relishing in the opportunity to help open the minds of the participants and draw out the answers that they each had within. We were there to guide, grow, develop and stretch the participants’ ideas, reassure them, challenge their perceptions and most of all inspirethem to be the best that they can be. Every second, every minute and every interaction was an opportunity for the participants and TBS staff to SHINE!
Although it was very hard to leave, we left feeling tremendously proud and privileged at the opportunity we were given and the new friends we had made! I had the honour of presenting the certificates and speaking on behalf of TBS at the closing ceremony, below is a part of the lasting message, for some of you this will look similar:
“When we leave remember to have supreme confidence in yourself and your abilities. Know you can do anything that you put your mind to. Develop unrelenting determination and commitment to follow through on whatever you desire to do. The certificates presented to you today aren’t about completing this workshop - They are symbolic of your commitment to yourself, your community, your future and the future of Vanuatu! It speaks volumes about the immensely talented and inspirational person that you are!”This message brought tears to the eyes of many of the participants and us included. I wanted to share this, as it is reflective of the intensity of the friendships this workshop creates. To be immersed in a new culture and to work with local representatives who passionately care about the welfare and future of their people is truly enriching in every aspect.
Without the commitment and vision of The Body Shop, United Nations, and the Commonwealth Youth Program, this workshop would not be possible.
It is however the commitment of the people who make it the true success. Amber, Kelly, Laura & Kaye would have made you proud and were outstanding ambassadors for The Body Shop. We left knowing that every day they & WE have a choice:
- To be the best that we can be and to help others to do the same.
- To want to learn and push the boundaries and be the young entrepreneurs of tomorrow – in Bislama “Tumaro’s Ledas” (Tomorrow’s Leaders)
Anne McFarlane - National Deputy Retail Manager
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