MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE BOARD AND STAFF OF IWFI!

RESERVE YOUR SPACE: Married Love Weekend Dec 13TH - 15TH, 2013 @ Hermitage Gardens Resort, Akodo

This weekend retreat for married couples will allow you and your spouse to discover who you are, and who your spouse is, learn true love’s meaning, reinforce your bond,revivify your relationship ina relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city set on the backdrop of pristine beaches on the Atlantic.This one weekend could change your lives and your marriage forever.

Married Love Weekend: Dec 13th - 15th @ Hermitage Beach Resort, Akodo.Limited Spaces Available

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE IWFI AND LBS SOCIETY AND TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE 2103

The IWFI and LBS conference on Society and Technology was a huge success. Hundreds of delegates showed up despite their busy work schedule to take part in the discussions.

This is an indicator to the relevance of the impact of New media and Digital technology in our family life and businesses.

Discussions were held in five Sessions comprising of keynote addresses, panel discussions and a case study. The case study was presented by Professor Chantal Epie of the Lagos Business School, on Work-Family policies and practices; focus was on Glaxo Smithkline Nigeria. Representatives of GSK from the Human resources department were present to give insight to the company's work-life balance practices which includes staggered work hours, flexibility of leave and short vacation, five days' paternity leave, possibility of career break from one month to two years, amongst others.

Industry experts like Mr. Austin Okere,(CEO, Computer Warehouse Group),Mr. Pascal Dozie(Chairman, MTN)and Mr. Raphael Afaedor(MD and Co-founder, Jumia Nigeria)were present, revealing first hand experiences in their application of technology to various spheres of life. Mr. Okere narrated how as an entrepreneur, he has taken advantage of continual technological evolution to build the Computer Warehouse Group into an african multinational company with an annual revenue of over $130m and a staff strength of over six hundred and fifty people. However, to ensure work -life balance, Mr. Okere had suggested building downtime into one's schedule, dropping activities that sap one's time and energy, rethinking one's errands and to remember that a little relaxation goes a long way.

Professor Francisco Perez-Latre from the University of Navarre in Spain brought to fore the kinds of digital environments that can promote growth in a family and the awareness that not all technologies would nuture the human spirit, which is an integral aspect of the human existence. Another international speaker Dr. Christiane Spitzmueller from the University of Houston in Texas USA, presented her research on the use of smartphones.

The Society and Technology 2013 conference will be a yearly event organized by the Institute for Work and Family Integration(IWFI) with a focus on Technology and its impact on the society.

IWFI is an NGO that promotes work and family integration through advocacy and research, promoting family responsible policies, good work ethics and training, with a view to creating a better family, better business and better society.

Below are pictures from the proceedings of the conference.

SOCTECH 2013

The spate of change in the media space is overwhelming with good, bad and sometimes ugly consequences in real or virtual life. As digital information and new media continues to play such a pivotal role in our work, families and society, it is imperative to equip ourselves with the right tools to harness its positive potential and limit its unconstructive effects.

The Institute for Work and Family Integration (IWFI) in collaboration with the Lagos Business School is organizing a two-day International Conference & Exhibition titled Society and Technology 2013. This year’s theme is Digital Technology and New Media: Transforming Businesses, Challenging family values .It will highlight emerging trends in New Media and its attendant impact on Work, Family and the Society and provide effective tools to manage this impact.

This conference will also discuss the impact of technology on the family, such as, risks to children through social media, interaction between people and the role of their personal gadgets, the rules for using technology and the internet while preserving social values The event will be held on 22nd and 23rd of October 2013 at the Lagos Business School’s Honeywell Auditorium, Ajah Campus, Lagos, Nigeria.

Expected & confirmed Speakers are:

• Mrs. Omobola Johnson, The Honorable Minister of Communication Technology
• Dr. Christiane Spitzmueller, Associate Professor University of Houston
• Mr. Pascal Dozie CON, Chairman MTN Nigeria
• Mr. Austin Okere,MD/CEO, Computer Warehouse Group
• Prof. Pat Utomi, Founder/CEO Centre for Values in Leadership
• Ms Juliet Ehimuan, Country Manager, Google (Nigeria)
• Mr. Raphael Afaedor, Managing Director, Jumia.com

In teaming up with the Lagos Business School and their influential over 10,000 of strong alumni, this event will bring together top CEOs and senior executives from blue chip companies and NGOs, new media gurus, concerned parents, government representatives, students and forward thinking professionals.

The conference will engage over 600 participants to the conference and about 3000 visitors to the exhibition.

This is a unique opportunity for organizations to: i. to have unfettered access to new media and digital information decision makers and key users ii. to showcase solutions or view/approach towards the conference theme iii. to become part of the conversation that will drive user and provider habits iv. to receive first hand information on new trends and an ability to determine the audience response v. to inform corporate social responsibility efforts in improving the lives and efficiency of your employees and other relevant stakeholders

Some IWFI past activities include:

i. Workshops for Parents on Use of the Social Media at Whitesands and Lagoon Secondary Schools
ii. Workshops for Human Resource professionals on Work Family Integration and Family Friendly Policies for several organizations.
iii. Teach electives on Work Family Integration at the Lagos Business School during their executive programs.
iv. Delivered seminars to corporate organizations during in-house retreats including the Lagos State Government, First Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank Plc and others.

Organizations are invited to sponsor, exhibit or participate at this event

For information on registration please visit our website: www.iwfionline.org/conference

Hashim Zein on Society & Technology 2013 Conference and Exhibition

Dr Chris Ogbechei on Family Work Relationship-Part 4

Dr Chris Ogbechei on Family Work Relationship-Part 3

Dr Chris Ogbechie on Family Work Relationship - Part 2

Sir Chris Ogbechie on Family Work Relationship

Executive Teachers Program in Family Advisory(A Certificate Course)

The Institute for Work and Family Integration (IWFI) and Lagos Business School (LBS) have adapted this one year course from the Ministry of Fomento in Spain to suit our needs. The Certificate Course in Family Advisory aims at preparing teachers, advisors (tutors) and counselors to better advice and assist parents as the first educators and to ensure a holistic formation for the youths.

OBJECTIVES: • To form professionals in family advisory in matters of education, who are able to guide, foresee, and advice in the area of family education • To widen the knowledge and understanding of the person and the family so that they may be able to foster an effective cooperation between the family and the school • To improve the ability of analyzing concrete family situations so that they can draw effective suggestions for each case • To learn the fundamental areas of family advisory: Anthropological foundation; Marriage; Education in the family; Difficulties in the education of children • To learn the main educational principles of the intelligence, the will and affectivity in the family context.

IWFI, strengthening ties with Lagos Business School

Balancing Work/Life Issues



Family Advisory Class with our partners Formento from Spain