On December 15, WBFN held in its offices a farewell party to honor Geremie Sawadogo and to mark his achievements at the helm of Global Mobility (HRSGM). Indeed, during his four-year tenure, Geremie oversaw the successful reorganization of Global Mobility’s services and the result has been a better fit between the unit’s offerings and the needs of the families of WBG staff.

Many WBFN members gathered promptly to partake of this friendly, warm and successful party. Our past president Chantale gave a thank-you toast in her own inimitable humorous way, Rula and Anne presented Geremie with a table lamp and, as everyone cheered and clapped, Geremie was asked to recall his interesting moments with WBFN.

The ties between WBFN and Global Mobility are strong. WBFN, an organization of volunteers, has for mission to foster a warm community for all the families of the Bank. At the same time the goal of Global Mobility and its paid staff is to provide this community with professional services and guidance. Many spouses and partners of WBG staff rely on Global Mobility whether for career services or for assistance with issues of housing, schooling, childcare and eldercare. Global Mobility’s handbooks are also helpful to our members preparing for relocating overseas. Workshops and orientation programs offered by Global Mobility are regularly publicized both in Mosaic and in @ a glance.

Before moving on to his new position as Senior HR Officer at the PREM Network, Geremie handed over the reins of Global Mobility to Iouri Bairatchnyi, most recently Program Manager for Language and Culture Training at HRSLO. We are looking forward to getting to know him better and to carrying on the close collaboration between WBFN and Global Mobility.

Rula Ghani