May 21 - Serious work begins!

The day started with a kick-off meeting where the 15 of us who were divided into 5 sub-teams met our NGOs.  The NGO's are Casa da Crianca, Instituto Empreender IE (mine), Nectar, Observatorio do Recife and Porto Digital.

It started with the 3 CSC members assigned to each NGO giving a brief introduction of ourselves.  This was followed by the NGOs presenting the work that they do.  Each sub-team then proceeded to the NGOs' office.

IE is a NGO created in Y2000 with the objective of providing job training and education to disadvantaged and at risk youth groups.  Through initiatives that promote employability and social inclusivenss, IE offers a variety of youth assistance programs at different levels, ranging from providing English and IT trainings, CV design, interview skills to job match.  The team is to focus on the Enter Jovem Plus Program (EJP).  

(Left to right: Igor fm IE Rio de Janerio, myself, Etsuko fm IBM Japan, Mariza fm IE Rio de Janerio, Adson fm IE Recife and Alex fm IBM US)

We spent the entire afternoon understanding the challenges in EJP and determined what is to be our focus.  Our team is very glad that IE is realistic in its expectations of what can be accomplished within the 4 weeks.  It was a very intensed afternoon going back and forth with questions and answers and by 5pm, we were mentally drained.  However, even early at this stage, the team felt that we had the SOW nailed and we return to the hotel happy that we had accomplished  a good day's worth of work.

I felt that the pre-work thru' the 3 months have been really good and despite that it was the first time that the 3 of us are working together, we were able to complement each other well.
Well done Team!

#ibmcsc brazil #ibmcscbr12

Arrival & first days

I arrived safely and smoothly despite the tiring long 31hrs flight and transits.  I was happy to check into the room to find that it is going to be a comfortable 4 weeks stay with a wonderful seaview from the balcony!  Hmmm....perhaps this assignment needs a little more time to work on?

Most of the team arrived on the 19th May by early afternoon.  It was great meeting everyone in person after being on calls and emails for the last 3 months.  Our 1st dinner gathering ->

The next day, our CDS local coordinator, Vanessa took us for a neighbourhood walk in the morning to familarise us with the amenities around the hotel - the supermarket, laundry, restaurants etc. which ended with a "kilo" lunch ie you pay by the kilo for what is on yr plate from the buffet spread. 

Our first group photo:

We were reminded by many signages along the beach not to thread further than the reefs.  About 10 victims each yr joined the help group, I'm not tempting the sharks here!

I've been waking up at just past 3am.  I do hope I get over my jet lag soon! .....zzzzz

Time flies

It's been a very busy period since I last post.  Over the last month, I was able to complete all my eLearning (it's compulsory else you're dropped fm the assignment!), vaccinations, Visa and have my backups in place.  Thanks to all my wonderful colleagues and my manager who supported me to make this possible. 

The "toughest" part before travelling was deciding on what to bring, trying not to bring too much and yet, making sure I have enough to be comfortable for the 5 weeks away from home.  I ended up with 25kg of checked-in luggage which I thought was pretty good considering the work stuff and souvenirs as well.

More updates on the flight and the 1st few days here soon!