Banjul, The Gambia — October 13, 2025: The African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies (ACDHRS) held its annual staff retreat from 6th to 10th October 2025, bringing together all departments for a week of reflection, learning, and forward planning.
The five-day event, held under the theme “Building Institutional Resilience and Sustaining Impact,” provided an important opportunity for staff to assess the year’s progress, celebrate key milestones, and collectively plan for the year ahead. It also served as a space to strengthen teamwork, renew commitment, and reinforce the Centre’s mission of promoting democracy, human rights, and good governance across Africa.
The annual staff retreat is a cornerstone of ACDHRS’s institutional culture, designed to foster reflection, collaboration, and innovation. It offers a dedicated space for staff to evaluate achievements, share lessons learned, and develop strategies to enhance the Centre’s impact and efficiency.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Hannah Forster, the Executive Director, emphasized the importance of unity and shared purpose in advancing the Centre’s goals. “Our strength lies in our people and our shared values. This retreat is not only about planning; it’s about reconnecting with our mission and realigning our energy for a stronger, more resilient ACDHRS,” she noted.
The retreat featured a series of presentations, group discussions, and participatory sessions that encouraged open dialogue and creative thinking. Staff members engaged in activities aimed at enhancing collaboration, improving communication, and building trust across departments. The event was one of reflection and renewal, as participants revisited the Centre’s vision and reaffirmed their collective commitment to human rights and democratic governance in Africa.
Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat also provided moments for team bonding and personal connection. Interactive exercises and informal exchanges allowed staff to deepen relationships, strengthen teamwork, and foster a sense of unity and belonging.
By the close of the retreat, participants expressed a renewed sense of motivation and purpose. The discussions and activities inspired a shared vision of an even more dynamic, innovative, and impactful ACDHRS, one that continues to stand at the forefront of democracy and human rights promotion on the continent.
The outcomes of the retreat have helped to shape a consolidated plan that will guide ACDHRS’s programs and operations in the coming year, ensuring that its efforts remain aligned with its mission and values.
