Dear Reader,

This week finds me in the bustling city of Nairobi. This is my first visit to Kenya and I am delighted to add another stamp to my passport. More importantly though, I am delighted to meet men and women from all over the world who are committed to making a difference on this continent.

My affiliation to Avocado Vision resulted in my presence at this conference. The conference is called “Financial Education…an Opportunity for All.” It is co-hosted by the Financial Education Fund and Opportunity International.  Ordinarily, I am not a big conference supporter. I do not always see the purpose of taking a number of days out from often a very busy schedule, unless there is real value to be gained.

Well in terms of this conference, I can categorically say “yes, it is worth it!” The conference organizers have done a wonderful job of complimenting presentations with interaction. The theme of the conference is centred on learning and the desire to learn the valuable lessons from 15 projects across the continent is wonderful.  I am happy to see that the conference will end with a 90-day challenge – which speaks to the behaviour shifts we wish to make that are linked to the lessons we have learnt.

It has made me think about the lifelong learning we have access to. I know that the demands of our busy lives do not give us reflection moments to consider the lessons we are learning. My encouragement to you this week is to create a 10 minute reflection moment to consider what you are learning right now in your life. I ask you to go one step further, why not also frame a response to the question, “With what I am learning right now, what changes do I want to see in my life?”

All the best

Rachel

PS. With Women’s Month approaching, I wanted to encourage you to attend a Women’s Day Event hosted by Helen Nicholson & Donna Rachelson on the 2nd August 2011. This action packed and eye-opening morning will include Helen Nicholson's new presentation on juggling demands as busy women and a presentation by the personal branding specialist, Donna Rachelson. You will also receive a fabulous goody bag worth over R800. For more information, please contact their team at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .