Looking back on the ten years working for AiNA soa, I realized anew what a privilege I had to be able to learn so much.
An unforgettable experience for me was writing a few chapters for our book “Vonjy Aina” (“First Aid”). It was one of my biggest challenges because I didn’t know how to do it. I cried, was desperate and wanted to give up. But in the end it was amazing
The book is divided into four parts:
- Environment – accidents & first aid
- Diseases
- Prevention
- Legal aspects in the Malagasy healthcare system
I was asked by my boss Nicole, the former president of AiNA soa, to write a few articles for the section “prevention”. It was very challenging as I had no idea how to write. Despite the various resources available to me for ideas, I struggled with the thought in my head: “I’m not a writer”. Again and again I tried to write something. But every time I gave it to my boss to correct, she asked me to adjust or re-write it again. One day I wanted to give up. I told her with boldness but full of respect: “Nicole! I’ve told you many times that I’m not a writer but you still asked me to do it. But I don’t like to see the corrections after correction”. She looked at me with a face that was trying not to laugh and was trying hard to tell me in a strong voice: “Ioly! You can do it!” Tears ran down my cheeks and I left her office. She followed me and said: “Imagine you are talking to younger children and explain what you want them to know. If they understand what you mean, you’ve done a good job. Write down that”.
I took her words to heart and tried. I was really pleased because the children actually understood what I meant. Of course, my boss still had to correct and make additions, but I managed it! I was so grateful to God for Nicole’s support and that she believed in me – I probably wouldn’t have made it without her. She had a great way of helping me and finish my writing. Her advice changed the thoughts in my head “I can’t write” and helped me overcome my self-doubts.
Being willing to learn instead of holding on to my self-doubts – I’m not a writer, I can’t do this – helped me to move forward. I managed to complete the writing. Every time I see the book “Vonjy Aina”, I remember these experiences and am grateful for them. Now writing is a joy for me. Currently I’m even responsible for writing the AiNA soa newsletter. Jacqueline, the new president of AiNA soa, also keeps helping me to learn more and see the details. In the meantime, I have also been able to share my experiences with other team members.
As my time at AiNA soa will come to an end soon, I am so grateful for all that I have learned here. And I can say that I have learned a lot!
I want to encourage us all to be open when someone is trying to teach us something new or trust us with something new, instead of holding on to old beliefs or self-doubts.
Through the ten years I have been with AiNA soa, I have come to believe that “my thinking is the only obstacle or success to my results”.
I wish AiNA soa a long life! And all the best and a happy life to my boss and friend Nicole, who taught me so much. “Bravo” and “you’re doing well” to the current Board members, who are an enormous help for our work at AiNA soa. And a special thanks to Jacqueline Ribeli for her help for all of us.
I would like to thank all my work colleagues for allowing us to learn together, you all did an excellent job. A special thanks to my leadership team (Daniella, Jimmy, Mirindra and Laza) for the dedication of each of you and your will to positively promote both the organization and the people. Keep up the good work.
With deepest sympathy and full of thanks,
Ioly, Administrative Team Leader & HR
