As my term as a Board member of EAPRIL comes to a close, I have been reflecting on our journey over the past three years. It has been an honour to serve alongside engaged chairs and colleagues who share a passion for education and collaboration within the association!
My role in the EAPRIL Board offered me a firsthand glimpse behind the scenes of a global educational community. The EAPRIL Office, board members and cloud coordinators work hard to ensure the success of our annual conference and ongoing association initiatives. They coordinate speakers, sessions, sponsorships, school visits and logistical arrangements to make each event a success. Furthermore, they have a lot of fun. Collaborating with like-minded colleagues can be incredibly enjoyable!
During the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to remote conferencing, our resilience and adaptability were put to the test. As we emerged from these unprecedented circumstances, we were determined to reorganize onsite conferences with renewed focus and purpose.
As we moved forward with our event, we did so with a strong commitment to safety and inclusivity. There must be a clear argument for why people should come together today. Our priority was to create a welcoming environment for dialoguing and hands-on working. Lectures can be always delivered online, but establishing strong relationships for co-operation requires face-to-face communication, physical interaction - and eating and together. However, I’m happy that hybrid forms of participation are still under further development for enhancing the future sustainability.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role was the opportunity to bring people together from diverse perspectives to collaborate on shared goals. Whether it was organising conferences, workshops, or virtual meetings, every interaction was an opportunity to bridge divides and forge connections that transcended borders and boundaries. I sincerely believe that through the dialoguing efforts we have created an inclusive community where everyone's voice is heard and valued.
I warmly invite the new candidates who are considering applying for the EAPRIL Board, and joining the community, to become part of something very special! Your point of view, knowledge and experience are highly appreciated and needed to enrich the association.
As I’m farewelling my role on the Board, I’m grateful for the trust that has been bestowed upon me, and for so many memorable moments. I look forward to seeing the continued success and impact of EAPRIL in the years to come!
"Memories take us back, dreams take us forward, but moments steal our hearts forever." - Unknown
With warm regards
Essi Ryymin