A word from the President
The winter is finally over and warm days are ahead to enjoy an Ottawa summer in its surroundings. This year's posting orders are for the most part announced and many of the new employees who joined in 2003 are ready to set off on first journeys as Canadian Foreign Service representatives with their families.
The world is very different out there than many of our fellow residents find here in Ottawa. Life can be very challenging with harsh realities and horror stories coming true or it can be very pleasant and enjoyable depending on which part of the world you will be located and what you try to make of your experience abroad. Wherever you will be, the FSCA requests all its members going on posting this year, to become ambassadors to our mandate and spread more information overseas at your missions to lessen the struggle in future years.
Since I last wrote we had a number of advancements and developments in our daily uphill struggle. I am delighted by the efforts invested by David and Bez to rejuvenate our Spousal Employment Committee, bringing in like-minded spouses/members to help us achieve a more secure future. I am confident we will see a healthy outcome. Thanks.
The issue to increase our annual grant from FAC/ITCan once again was the centre of discussion. The FSCA would like to add new programs and improve our visibility by reaching every rotational employee/family in federal agencies. The request to increase our grant was sent in March and we are still waiting for the final word and hoping for good news.
I had hoped to have the news before the Bulletin was printed but I put my faith in the famous saying, "Better late, than never".
In June, we will hold our Annual General Meeting and elections. My term as a President of FSCA is coming to an end, and its time now to elect our new Executive team for 2005/ 2006, which will help us move forward on their volunteer time. As President this past year, I have learned a lot from my fellow volunteers and I value every moment I've been involved in and worked for the Foreign Service Community Association. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this and promise to continue to carry on helping ameliorate the lives of Foreign Service families. It was a pleasure partaking this journey with all of you.
Before I end, please come forward and give us few hours of your time as a volunteer to assist in what matters to you and is important for your future. We are seeking your support and experience to reach our goals.
Vivek Sharma