Learning Journey: Fanuel Hadzizi

It doesn’t matter what other people think of you. What really matters is what you think of yourself – Avis J Williams

2019 brought with it difficult moments, new experiences, opportunities, frustrations, fears and great lessons. I have been very fortunate to be a part of Gender Links, an organisation which remains to be fast growing despite the prevailing difficult funding environment challenges and global COVID-19 crisis. The past year was a test of my resolve and pushed my performance to my limits more than any other year of my working experience. Mistakes were made but now I understand that you might not get something on your first try but all that matters is to learn and emerge a better professional. New tools were introduced and as the central M&E person I had to engage with them more than any other officers.

Within a short period of time I was stuck in and made the most out of it. I am proud to say the deadlines were met donor targets were met. If I had to share what I learnt through it all it’s that; how you react to these situations is a lot more telling of the person you are. If you take challenges as learning opportunities and as a way to better yourself, you will benefit immensely from them. The support from my immediate supervisors made my work easier because they always clarify what needs to be done. Sometimes I worked during weekends just to complete urgent tasks. One thing I have learnt is never to shy away from challenges even if they are not of your own making. 

At Gender Links, It is easy to get caught up in daily routine and forget about the bigger picture goals that you have. It is crucial that I remind myself of the stones in my life to help me put things into perspective. In other words we are all responsible for our happiness and should not jump to blame others for our own shortcomings. I managed to get some much needed rest towards the end of the year and I look forward to learning new things and fulfilling 2020. 

Fanuel Hadzizi, Results for Change Manager