Should we pause and reflect on the past, cherish the memories, we would realise that we find the greatest glow of happiness in the simplest things rather than in the finest occasions. Despite the hitches and the glitches, we fought a good fight, and we can be sure to say victory is certain!

Today we are here to look back and celebrate all that we achieved, the difference we have made during the year 2021. One wise person once said, "It is not about the magnitude of the gap covered, but the idea is moving from point A to B". In our present, we are courageous enough to face our awful fears because in what we have accomplished we have found hope for our dreams and a better tomorrow even for the next generation.  During the festive season, a season that allows us to see things better, with a relaxed mind, and spirit of joy, and oneness, great ideas are bound to reflect upon us. As we merry, let us not forget that we celebrate not the end of a journey but the strength we have been given to come this far, hence looking forward to even better achievements and success stories. You will be surprised what General George Washington achieved on Christmas day in the year 1776. In the closing year of 1776, the Revolutionary War looked like it might be lost for colonial forces. After A series of defeats by the British, morale was depleted, and many soldiers deserted the Continental Army. Desperate to strike a decisive victory, on Christmas Day General George Washington led 2,400 troops on a daring nighttime crossing of the icy Delaware River. Stealing into New Jersey, on December 26 the Continental forces launched a surprise attack on Trenton, which was held by a force of German soldiers known as Hessians.

General Washington’s gamble paid off. Many of the Hessians were still disoriented from the previous night’s holiday bender, and colonial forces defeated them with minimal bloodshed. Washington had pulled off a shock victory because had an army that was unequipped to hold the city.

Christmas becomes one of the cheerful days where we proclaim that indeed joy comes in the morning. After a long struggle, after a long wait, after throwing the towel, hope then comes to those who wait, who even on the verge of death, can still fly like eagles and come home with a crown of hope. Looking back, we appreciate how much we have overcome, forces that as mere organisations we had no control over. Yet we fought through cyclones and now fighting through every single wave that Covid-19 is throwing at us. The festive season allows us then to appreciate our individual and group efforts in seeing through the yearly objectives of our respective organisations.

Still, in a spirit of joy, of peace, of sharing, of acknowledgment, appreciation, and celebration, let’s remember it is time that has brought us to this season, and it is that time that will not wait for us to finish celebrations so we can continue with our race. In the same cheerful spirit, let us realise opportunities like George Washington did. The greatest wins are not far from your end but right under your nose, the idea is to twist your fate. Facing both internal and external hindrances to the effective achievement of set objectives, be it a war, a proposed bill, a cyclone, a virus, and maybe an organizational culture, Santa might actually present a life-changing gift.

We eventually applaud nonprofit organisations that have existed to prove that the human race is one body. Different colours yet one people fighting for peace, for unity, for protection, for empowerment, for equality, for education, for freedom, for health, and for food security. We shall end the year 2021 by celebrating transformed societies and looking forward to a more blissful 2022. Merry Christmas!!!