Employees given end year treat in bid to forge teamwork

Traditional dancers perform during the end-year event at Ashton Mombasa Apparel in Mombasa. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] A garment-making firm in Mombasa ended 2024 with fanfare. Ashton Mombasa Apparel treated employees to coastal traditions celebrating Swahili, Mijikenda and Pokomo cultures. The employees also enjoyed traditional dances, including the captivating Giriama rhythms and the soulful Swahili taarab music. Storytelling sessions featured timeless folklore, offering employees a glimpse into the wisdom passed down through generations. Employees donned traditional attire as they enjoyed the cultural experience. Local artisans and cultural leaders, showcased crafts such as palm-frond weaving and traditional ornament making. Employees expressed admiration for the skill and dedication to preserve tradition. "Celebrating our cultural roots is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and unity within our workforce. By understanding and respecting diverse traditions, we strengthen the bonds that make us a cohesive team," said Ashton Mombasa Apparel Group General Manager Abizer Lokhandwala. The programme went beyond entertainment, offering workshops and interactive sessions on topics such as communal harmony and how traditional practices could inspire solutions to modern workplace challenges. Employees explored how coastal values like hospitality, mutual respect, and cooperation could translate into stronger collaboration in the workplace. Employees were encouraged to share their heritage through personal presentations, such as narrating stories, preparing traditional meals, and teaching colleagues simple Swahili phrases. Lokhandwala noted that by fostering teamwork, investing in training, and creating opportunities for personal development, they have laid a strong foundation for growth in 2025. "The company has also introduced new policies and incentive schemes aimed at ensuring mutual progress for employees and the organisation. With these initiatives in place, Ashton is looking ahead to 2025 with optimism, confidence, and excitement," he said. He said that the festive season serves as a moment to reflect on the year gone by and prepare for the opportunities ahead. "Despite the hurdles faced along the way, including the challenges of transitioning under new ownership, our commitment to teamwork and fostering a supportive environment has remained unwavering," he said. Ashton Mombasa Apparel football team after a match. [Omondi Onyango, Standard] The highlight of the event was a football match between units at the firm. "The event brought employees together in a vibrant display of teamwork and unity. The atmosphere was electric, with employees from all departments cheering enthusiastically for their respective teams, waving colorful banners, and singing songs of encouragement," said factory human resource manager Beatrice Otieno. Ms Otieno said that the presence of senior unit leaders offered an inspiring dimension to the occasion, emphasizing the importance of collective spirit and teamwork. She observed that the involvement of senior managers underscored the significance of the event, which became a celebration of camaraderie. "Participants and supporters alike left with a renewed sense of belonging, united by their shared experiences on and off the field," she added. I& M Bank funded the logistics and community encouragement in the events. "It's partnerships like these that enable companies like ours to deliver meaningful and impactful experiences to our employees," said Otieno. The entertainment programme followed training sessions aimed at building confidence, enhancing problem-solving abilities and fostering a mindset of continuous improvement. "The workshops helped me discover my potential and build confidence. I now feel equipped to take on challenges and contribute more to my team," said an employee Mary Joseph. Another employee Jane Mwende said: "The training sessions were about more than just work. They taught me how to set goals and balance personal and professional growth, which has made a huge difference in my life." The firm's Group Human Resource Manager Stephen Njeru said while they acknowledged the complexities of the journey, they were proud of the progress made together as a team through the new initiatives. "The shared commitment of our employees has been vital in overcoming challenges and moving forward with optimism for the future," he said. He observed that team-building activities have been a central part of the efforts to foster collaboration and camaraderie. "Team building isn't just about fun-it's about forging bonds, encouraging trust, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. We have seen how these activities positively impact morale and productivity," he said.

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