Volunteering Matters to Liberia

UN Volunteer Magisterial Electoral Officers pose for a group photo held in their honour at the
UNV Field Unit at UNMIL, HQ in Monrovia Liberia. The work of the MEOs was key to ensuring fair
and peaceful elections in Liberia

Volunteering matters…… The theme for International Volunteer Day conjures up a
myriad of images of volunteers cleaning a neighborhood, or serving at a school in a
disadvantaged neighborhood.
Why should volunteering matter to Liberians? It matters because it is one of the fastest
ways for Liberia to advance her development agenda. Through volunteer action so
many aspects of the Millennium Development Goals/ PRS2 can be achieved. United
Nations Volunteers and their partners continue to lead the way, time and again,
toward a holistic approach to development programming and implementation.
Volunteering matters to the little girl in the rural village who would not be able to go to
school without the volunteer service rendered by volunteer teachers of the National
Youth Volunteer Scheme (NYVS). Volunteering matters to the numerous persons
impacted by the awareness campaign by Messengers of Peace, with the support of
the Carter Centre, to promote peaceful elections during the 2011 general elections.
Volunteering matters to Liberians in the rural areas who benefitted from the work of
UN Volunteer Amita Sandhu, former Project Officer, UNDP Community Based
Recovery and Development, who by her work empowered and changed the lives of
many communities through targeted agriculture and infrastructure development
projects. Volunteering matters to Liberians who benefitted from the conflict resolution
skills of UNV Alloys Uwimana, former UNMIL Civil Affairs Expert that proved critical
during the DDRR process. Volunteering matters to all the women who voluntarily sat in
a football field with Nobel Peace Prize winner Leymah Gbowee to force an end to
the civil war that was ravaging Liberia.
I am encouraged by the numerous local volunteer organizations that have been
working tirelessly - and in some instances thanklessly - for the sustained peace and
development of Liberia.
While I salute these individuals and organizations, I urge more Liberians to volunteer
their time, skills and knowledge for the country to continue on the path of progress.
Moustapha Soumaré
Mr. Moustapha Soumaré
Acting SRSG/
UNDP Resident Representative
Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator
Volunteering matters to
Liberia

Volunteering Matters
Why Volunteerism Matters
Gwendolyn S. Myers
Executive Director
Messengers of Peace-Liberia
Volunteerism impacts lives in immeasurable ways and reflects the philanthropic nature of
mankind. There is a depth of benevolence, care and humanity implanted in every man or
woman. The more it is cultivated, the clearer it is manifested and the better it becomes for
society. A society that inspires its members to volunteer is to a large extent destined to be at
peace with itself and others for the simple reason that no one would easily avail him or
herself to be used as a medium to undo the good things that he or she has helped to bring
about.
Besides helping to keep a peaceful, stable society, volunteerism helps nurture people,
especially youngsters to grow up with a strong spirit of selflessness, nationalism and deep
sense of belonging to society. It should be remembered that selfishness and lack of love for
country contributed in no small way to the civil war Liberia is still struggling to recover from.
Volunteerism indeed demonstrates how much people appreciate all that society or country
means to them to the point that they want to return such goodness in whatever little way.
It is against this backdrop that Messengers of Peace, a pro peace, non-governmental
organization basically promoting peace and development has volunteerism as one of its
core values using mainly young people. What better way can the youth be inspired to be
agents of change in a society facing serious moral, social and economic challenges other
than lead them to positively affect the lives of others? What better way can a wounded
society lay a solid foundation for posterity other than use future leaders themselves as the
building blocks of such a foundation? This clearly explains why we have always been on the
go endeavoring in every way to touch humanity which always deserves kindheartedness.
From creating awareness on peace and development and HIV/AIDS to sensitizing parents to
send their children to school, we make volunteerism an integral part of our activities.
Without volunteerism nationalism has no strong root, love is but a shadow of itself, selfishness
reigns and consequently society is doomed. Therefore, Volunteerism should be at the heart
of the fabric out of which the standards, morals and ethics of Liberian society are
interwoven.
Gwendolyn S. Myers

“I Love Africa”
Selma recalls the moment when she and her family first heard that she was getting a UNV
assignment in Liberia, at the time she was working at UN HQ in Bosnia. ”My family and I had to
go look on the world map for Liberia” she recollects with a laugh. “We knew Ghana, Nigeria
Senegal and Ivory Coast but had never heard of Liberia.” Her initial assignment was in the post
of Administrative Assistant in Transport Section right when the mission was just starting up. “When
I came out the initial plan was to use the opportunity to travel, to see some of the world. I did
not know much about Africa all I knew was limited to safari and suffering.” She was not fazed
by the fact that Liberia had just come out of civil conflict. “I knew what I was getting myself
into. The war in Bosnia lasted four years and it closed the country off from everything. No
media. No food. No nothing.” According to Selma she knew deep-down that it was the right
move for her.
Upon arrival she remembers being stunned by the natural beauty of Liberia, ‘I was amazed at
the beauty of the country and even more amazed that there was nothing to disturb that
beauty. On the drive from the airport there were no houses, no buildings, nothing along the
road other than lush green vegetation like I had never seen in my life. I took a deep breath of
air- I was comfortable.” That was the beginning of the best time of her life as far as Selma was
concerned. Five months spent sharing a room with six other women at the UNV guesthouse-
the extent of the furnishing were one cot bed, five mattresses and two fans. “It was wonderful
meeting people, eating food that ‘might’ have been contaminated, then waiting to see if you
would die in the next 24 hrs,” she said laughing.
Selma moved to Transport’s Carlog Unit in 2006 and has been there ever since. Of working in
transport she says, “Working in Transport Section is very challenging, yet pleasant for a female.
For a female, and someone who does not have a mechanical background, to succeed and
accomplish anything you have to have highly developed diplomatic skills and the patience of
an ox.” She made it a point to learn the ‘mechanic’s lingo’ so that no one could B.S. her.
Christopher Torkornoo, Chief Transport Officer said that the first thing he noticed about Selma
was that she was very loyal, assertive and honest, ”She makes sure things are done the right
way. I have never micro-managed her and I have never given her an assignment that she did
not complete on time. She is very professional” he said.” I am sad that she is leaving, I will have
a hard time replacing her and I am praying that we can get her back as permanent staff. If I
had to describe her as an animal, I would describe her as a cheetah- she manages change
well, she absorbs and adapts to change, is aggressive only when pushed and above all
balanced.”
In 2004 Selma Trepanic came to Liberia leaving behind a three year old
daughter and family, she was twenty-eight years old. Now thirty-five, Selma
is coming to the end of her time as a United Nations Volunteer, “This has
been the most rewarding experience of my life”, she says. “I love Africa.”
Selma Trepanic
By Sarah-Jane Mungo,
Advocacy Information/ Communications Specialist
UNV Field Unit, Liberia

Selma has three national staff that she supervises all of whom were full of praise for her as a
supervisor. “She has been very supportive of me personally given my disability. She has been a
great teacher and has encouraged all of us to take advantage of the different training offered
by IMTC.” says Peterson Famyen who has worked with Selma since 2007. Massa Suakeeweli who
has also worked with Selma since 2007 said smiling, “Selma is a great supervisor. When there are
issues we talk it out and move on. She does not hold things in mind. I will miss her particularly on
my birthday as I have the same one as her daughter.” Kebbeh Okai was tearful, “I could go to
her with anything and she would say ‘You are welcome.’ I really appreciate that and I will miss
her”.
In March 2012 Selma will end an eight year stint as a UN Volunteer in Liberia. When asked about
her time spent here she says, “Working with UNV makes me feel safe, leaving makes me feel a
little exposed. This has been the most rewarding experience of my life so far. I have enjoyed this
experience thoroughly, but I am ready for something new.” She is weighing all her options,
including the possibility of settling permanently in Africa. Her daughter misses her but she knows
that Mommy’s work is important even though according to Selma she still does not fully
understand what volunteering is.
Selma intends to go back to school to do nursing- she had put a degree in medicine on hold
before joining the UN- maybe even specializing in a higher level of medical nursing. Her personal
credo is “Free will,” she says, “I believe in free will, that everything I do should be my decision,
free of external influences.” Her parting words to her fellow UNVs? “They should enjoy what they
are doing while it last and take advantage of the opportunity of being here to learn as much as
possible about their work and themselves. They should commit themselves fully to their
assignment and in that way they will be able to best serve the people of Liberia.”
Proud to have served as a United Nations
Volunteer, she agrees that the potential impact
of volunteerism should not be underestimated.
“The future of our planet will not be secured
without volunteerism. The only thing that
bridges the gap between rich and poor is
volunteerism. Volunteer action is the only thing
that can save of planet from the effects of
global warming and other environmental issues
of our time. People need to become more
humanistic. Volunteerism and volunteer action
is what is helping, and will continue to help,
Liberia and Liberians to develop and sustain
peace. I have been so privileged to serve
here.”
Selma with coworkers Kebbeh and Massa
“I Love Africa” cont’d

To Successful and Peaceful
Elections in Liberia
Three UN Volunteer Political Affairs Officers worked on political developments surrounding the 2011
elections in the UNMIL Political, Policy and Planning Section. This encompassed activities ranging
from voter registration, the determination of electoral districts, the referendum and the legislative
and presidential elections. The work involved interaction with political parties, the Legislature, the
National Elections Commission (NEC), along with Civil Society organizations. Additionally, the UNVs
also cooperate with the other UNMIL sections and UN agencies who are involved in supporting the
elections including the military, field offices, human rights, gender, UNPOL and UNDP.
The 2011 election process commencing with the registration of 1,798,930 voters in January was
closely followed by the UNV Political Affairs Officer, Chanell Daniels, who is assigned to work with the
NEC on political aspects of the organization of the elections. In contrast to the 2005 elections which
were managed by the UN, Liberians have been in the driving seat for the 2011 elections. Support
from the UNMIL - as instructed by the Security Council in Resolution 1885 (2009) and reiterated in
Resolution 1938 (2010) - primarily involves the provision of logistical support, the coordination of
international electoral assistance and support for efforts to create an atmosphere promoting
elections.
In view of the role of UNMIL in the elections, Chanell’s responsibilities included keeping the mission
updated with the progress of the NEC and its engagement with national stakeholders, working with
international partners on the provision of electoral assistance, and coordinating the Elections Task
Force – one of the bodies created to facilitate interaction between UNMIL sections that are
involved in the elections.
By UNV Political Affairs Officers, Chanell Daniels.
Georgiana Mukasa and Chiyuki Kozuka

“One of my most memorable experiences of the election planning process”, explains Chanell, “Was
working on the delineation of electoral districts. From the capacity building of young Liberians on
geographic information systems to the consultations with traditional leaders on the importance of the
equitable distribution of votes over ethnic boundaries for democracy in Liberia, it has been amazing to
see the many different ways the less-reported aspects of the elections have made concrete
contributions to Liberia’s future”.
UNV Political Affairs Officer, Chiyuki Kozuka, monitored and reported on activities in the Senate and
House of Representatives and analyzed lawmaking developments. As the first legislative body after the
civil war, the 52nd Legislature from 2006 to 2011 has held enormous responsibilities to bring the country
on the track towards post-conflict recovery and good governance. In this period the Legislature
debated and passed a series of laws, including the constitutional amendments that were proposed in
the Referendum and the budget allocated for the elections. In the lead-up to the elections, Chiyuki
monitored and analyzed public hearings where legislators exchanged views with government officials
and civil society organizations on specific bills before enactment, comprising the ratification of large
scale concession agreements, national budget and education reform as well as holding regular
meetings with legislators to discuss ongoing and future legislation. These activities were meant to bring
local perspectives into lawmaking, for example, the views of women’s groups to bring gender
perspectives into national security and local development.
“It is an eye-opening experience to monitor the Legislature”, Chiyuki says. "Monitoring the regular
sessions and discussing with a number of legislators, I am deepening my understanding of the political
landscape in the country. Although there are a number of challenges ahead, it is encouraging to see
legislators with visions and will. I look forward to monitoring the new Legislature from January 2012”.
The election campaign season involving the announcing of party leaders and their respective
campaign platforms was examined by UNV Political Affairs Officer Georgiana Mukasa, who was
assigned to work with political parties. Georgiana’s responsibilities included keeping abreast of the
activities of the 32 political parties involved in the political scene, attending press conferences held at
respective party headquarters where political leaders communicated their concerns and forwarding
said concerns to UNMIL’s leadership. During this period UNMIL played a mediating role in reconciling
differing perspectives of political parties and the NEC. Also working in conjunction with UNMIL Radio,
Georgiana assisted with the organization of presidential and vice presidential candidate debates
providing a platform for political leaders to connect with the public at large and explain their
contributions to the nation. “Being able to observe the start of the campaign season prior to election
day,” explains Georgiana, “Was one of the most fascinating periods because of the vision of Liberians
participating en masse in the future of their country. The audiences had a mix of young and old
coming together to strive for a better future and speeches by party leaders promised to tackle issues
ranging from establishing economic and employment initiatives, education reform, infrastructural
development and reconciliation. It has been amazing to see so many actors engaged in the political
scene and participating in the democratic process.
Following the elections, UNV Political Affairs Officers continue to work with Liberian stakeholders to
promote democratic progress. In cooperation with UNVs from other sections of UNMIL and UN
agencies, efforts are already underway to ensure the transition from the old government to the new
sustains the efforts towards the consolidation of peace and stability in Liberia.
To Successful and Peaceful
Elections in Liberia cont’d

Michael Dosumu -
“An Extraordinary Character”
Michael’s first assignment as a United Nations Volunteer was in Somalia from 1989-1990 working in his
field as an electrical engineer. He came to Liberia at the end of 2004 to take up the United Nations
Volunteer post of County Electoral Advisor- Logistics for the 2005 Liberia General Elections. “It was a
challenging period for volunteers who arrived in Liberia during that time. The situation in the country
was dire,” he recalls. “There was no infrastructure and limited accommodation, especially in the
sectors.” His first posting was to Harper in Maryland County where he found his assignment both
challenging and fulfilling. He was responsible for the safe running elections in the county which
included, voter registration, security for ballot boxes, population estimates etc… With a nostalgic
smile he recounts the difficulty he faced in getting some of the information required to ensure a fair
electoral process. “We had to go from village to village and do a physical count. To get to remote
villages my local National Elections Commission (NEC) colleagues and I had to drive to the furthest
point we could then walk to the village from there. Sometimes we walked more than a kilometer into
the bush to get to a village.”
Michael says, with an enigmatic smile, that the biggest lesson he learned from that experience was,
“Perseverance. I tell you looking back at what we went through in the process of getting the job
done, despite limited resources and a lack of adequate communications facilities other than
phones, is amazing. Just imagine, Situation Reports (SITREPs) had to be done weekly, printed out in
hardcopy then taken to the airfield to be flown to Monrovia.”
Upon the completion of his electoral assignment in 2005 he interviewed and was offered a new UN
Volunteer post with UNMIL Engineering Section. His first task was the evaluation of Pan Africa Plaza’s
(PAP) electrical supply. His reputation for efficiency preceded him and his input as UNMIL found its
legs was invaluable. He was responsible for the installation of generators at Riverview and VOA,
GhanBatt and Pakistani Military electrical installations. He also oversaw the revamping of the
electrical installations at Roberts International Airport along with a local team. From Dec 2006 to June
2007 he was in charge of the power supply at PAP. How then did he end up as Engineering
Administrative Assistant by October 2007?
“Michael Dosumu is an extraordinary character.” These were
the first words out of the mouth of a smiling Edward Tobey, one
of several national staff at the UNMIL Engineering Section’s
workshop where Michael Dosumu finished his United Nations
Volunteer assignment in the post of Engineering Administrative
Assistant. The statement was the immediate response of Edward
when posed with the question “How do you view Michael
Dosumu?” Hi comment implies a depth of character that is at
once clear and indefinable, nuanced yet direct, such is the
person who is Michael Dosumu.
Michael shares his volunteer story with fellow UN
Volunteers at the UN Volunteers (Liberia) AGM in
December 2012

“I was initially moved to allow the international staff at the generator workshop to go on leave
and the status just remained as is once I assumed the post.” In that post he had administrative
control of the workshop, giving support to all the sectors as far as materials, generator supplies
etc… ordered through Galileo (UN inventory system) for Engineering Section’s Field Units. He
was no longer in the field as the job was very demanding. “In my previous assignment in
elections,” he explained, “My goals, timeframe, resources available and supervisory/ head
office support were clearly defined. I had more autonomy in the execution of my duties.
Engineering Section presented me with a new type of work environment that was a bit more
fluid and took some getting used to. By adapting certain techniques I was able to maintain a
level of efficiency that I was comfortable with.”
National colleagues Doegar Dennis, Justin Freedman, Lutty Pajibo, Wovenu Collins and Edward
Tobey were almost waxing lyrical in their comments. Indicative of the high esteem in which
they hold Michael. “He knows how to talk to people, in the best way to do their job. He has
become a great friend and confidant.” says Justine. “Michael is an extraordinary character,”
says Edward. “He motivates us, is willing to listen when there are issues to discuss and is willing to
teach. It was through Michael that I was motivated to improve my computer skills. He is the
kind of guys who openly discusses issues, takes the best suggestions put forth by colleagues and
implements them. I am not happy to see him go.” The others nodded in agreement. “He is a
really good guy,” says Wovenu. “He is professional, organized and definitely an implementer. I
will miss him a lot but I will always remain connected to him.” Doegar, with an earnest look on
his face said that “People like Michael are hard to come across. He is a man with no hidden
agenda, he is very open and keeps things in perspective. Rare. Michael had no problem
standing up for staff, he encouraged all of us to give our best.” “Words are inadequate to
express my feelings concerning his departure,” said Edward, “I have a level of sorrow. I feel that
I have achieved a lot of personal growth with his guidance and I am grateful for the man that
he is.”
What is next for Michael? “I never really applied for any permanent UN jobs though I am
rostered. I intend to resume my PhD studies in Educational Administration and Leadership. I also
have my own business at home in Nigeria the focus of which is engineering, construction and
facilities management. I also intent to start a vocational training school near my home town.
Of course I am a volunteer for life so I intend to continue to volunteer in Nigeria with particular
focus on youth empowerment and development.” When asked how he would sum up his
United Nations Volunteer experience and his time in Liberia he said, “It has been an experience
like no other thus far in my life. I have grown so much as a professional and as a human being. I
feel humbled and privileged to have been able to serve Mama Liberia and her people. “
Michael Dosumu -
“An Extraordinary Character”
cont’d
Michael Dosumu finished his UN Volunteer assignment in Liberia at the end of December
2011.

Khieu Thol-
‘Liberia was my Destiny’
“A Russian trained Electronic Engineer, he worked for the Cambodian Government for seven
years before his first sojourn with the United Nations from 1992-1993 when the UN went to
Cambodia to assist in preparing the country for the1993 general election. The UN left Cambodia
the following year (1994) and he went to work for a fishing export company. During that time he
went to Prague, Czechoslovakia for management training for TV and radio facilities
management. In 1997 he started work with a GSM company that he stayed with until picking up
his United Nations Volunteer assignment in Liberia in 2005. He was in charge of UNMIL’s GSM
system from 2005 to 2007.when the use of GSM by the mission was discontinued. He was then
assigned responsibility for the entire telephone system across Liberia which is where he ended his
assignment.
Khieu recalled his initial impressions, “Upon arrival in Liberia I felt like I was in a dream. It was a
similar situation to that in Cambodia. It was very easy for me to live here due to the difficulties I
endured during the Cambodian War. I could relate to Liberia and Liberians though it was my first
time meeting African people. The country was similar. At first the people would stare at me as if I
were strange but now they don’t even look at me much. Some of my Liberian colleagues
actually say to me, ’You are Liberian now.’ because I have been here so long.” He is amazed at
how fast his time here has passed. “I came here when my daughter was six months old and I am
returning exactly six years and six months later the same age as my daughter.” he says shaking
his head in wonder. He is looking forward to spending time reconnecting with his family,
particularly his children whom he missed a lot though he was able to go home on break
periodically.
According to him the biggest change he has seen in Liberia is the development. “There has
been lots of development. Better roads, electricity is now available more. The people have also
changed a lot and seem to be developing very fast. They are talking more and appear to be
fostering better understanding of each other. The economy is better as well people just seem to
be living their lives.” Though he feels that there is still some way to go for Liberia he thinks that the
country is moving in the right direction.
“If could live through the Khamer Rouge in Cambodia I could live very
comfortably in Liberia.”
Wow! The statement was an eye-opening one made by UNV Khieu
Thol about his time spent in Liberia. Khieu came to Liberia in 2005 to
assume the post of Telephone Technician with CITS Section at UNMIL.
He was unfazed by the prospect of living in Liberia given his
experience of surviving the nightmare of the Khamer Rouge that left
him orphaned as a child. Just one of two UNVs in the mission from
Cambodia, Khieu’s UNV assignment has come to an end and he is full
of gratitude for the experience.
Khieu Thol

A Buddhist, he is noted for his calm manner when dealing with people though solution oriented
when solving problems. “I solve the problem very quietly. No need to make noise, patience
can solve any problem.” He is very humble in his approach to life and does not believe in
fighting fire with fire. “On a mission the stresses can be plenty so the best thing to do is to keep
yourself calm. If you put gasoline on a fire it will flare up but if you use cool water it will calm it
right down. I choose to use cool water to deal with conflict.” he says with a smile.
Though he will miss Liberia he is proud of his achievements here. “I am pleased with the job I
have done here.” His colleague George Dannhauser who has worked with Khieu since 2007
was full of praise, “Khieu is a fantastic human being and an excellent worker. He is always
courteous, well mannered, pleasant and very accommodating. He is also an excellent learner.
It is a waste to see him go. We are losing a very big asset because of his wide varied
knowledge and his capacity to learn. In the past 6 years he has learned several new products
and it will be very difficult to replace him. I don’t think even he realizes how truly valuable he is
to this section.” There was a general consensus among his colleagues that he undervalued
himself and that while his calm demeanor had benefited the office, he needed to be less
humble about his skills and achievements. Young Siah his direct supervisor said, “He should
really apply for a permanent post. He has brilliant knowledge and he can be used as a support
engineer. He is better than some FS4s and FS5s in the system. I will miss him a lot. We are a very
small unit but we are like family, we will all be crying buckets when he leaves.”
Though Khieu is sad to be leaving but he feels ready for the opportunities that are coming his
way. He has learned a lot about himself during his time in Liberia and will miss his unit and
colleagues. “I have learned a lot about different cultures and have gotten a lot of experience.
I have enjoyed myself.” His parting advice to United Nations Volunteers, “Understand each
other. Understand the environment in Liberia and respect diversity and you will have no
problems. If you want to solve a problem find out the source of the problem and go from
there.” He is full of praise for the United Nations Volunteer Programme and credits it with his
growth as a professional and human being. “Without the opportunity provided by the United
Nations Volunteer Programme I would probably never have come to Liberia. In my religious
tradition, Buddhism, we believe in destiny. I believe that it was my destiny to come to Liberia
and cross paths with all those that I have crossed paths with. I am humbled, thankful and
grateful for the opportunity I was given to serve.”
Khieu Thol completed his UNV assignment
and left Liberia on 6th December 2011 to
return to Cambodia. He will be missed.
R: Khieu at work at UNMIL’s Star Base
Khieu Thol-
‘Liberia was my Destiny’

18 February 2004 – 17 February 2012
A citizen of the Central African Republic, I received an offer from the UN Volunteer
Programme in Bonn, Germany to be assigned to the United Nations Mission in Liberia as
Reproduction Assistant in January 2004, It was an opportunity to move up in my work life, meet
with people of diverse cultural background and improve my understanding of the English
language. I came a long way!
Wednesday 18th February 2004, was the day I arrived in Liberia. Two colleagues from the UNV
Office Theo, a Liberian, and one international UNV picked me up at Roberts International
Airport to take me to German Embassy, then the UNMIL HQ in Liberia. After my check in, I was
taken by a colleague from the UNV office to the Office of the Chief General Services, Mr.
Mark Kiejna, my section chief. He later took me to Mr. Clive Mollison who would be my direct
Supervisor.
I was sharing a small room at German Embassy with Clive when after a few months, I was
transferred to Green Building to monitor the Reproduction Unit. It was amazing! Being French
speaking I had only studied English at school and now I am in an English speaking country and
head of the unit. Can you imagine??? It was challenging but I succeeded using good client
orientation, professionalism and respect for cultural diversity. These core values helped me to
progress in my workplace and move forward.
By Marie-Francine M’BANGOT –
UNV Specialist HR/Records Assistant
Francine in her office at theReproduction Unit in 2007
Au Revoir!

revoit
Au Revoir! Cont’d
26 February 2007 - 11 September 2009: IMTC
After three years a request came from the Chief Administrative Services, Ms. Stephanie Scheer
that I be transferred to IMTC as Administrative Supervisor. I left Reproduction on 23 February
2007 to join IMTC. This second assignment as UNV Administrative Supervisor in the Training
Center, was another challenge which also saw me become certified as a trainer by the way. It
was a very big difference, to get the art of teaching and to have the courage to face people-
it is the most sensitive part. But I did, and I will never forget the lesson.
At my workplace I loved everyone and never differentiated amongst those I met. I treated
everyone the same and tried to understand their points of view and find a solution to their
problems where possible. My chiefs, Ms. Jeanie Fraser and Ms. Juliana Ribeiro encouraged me
to work harder. As an example, these pictures show my business work and training UN Police
staff members on Records Management.
14 September 2009 – 17 February 2012: HRMS
Ouff!!!!! The time was getting short and in order to
enable me to serve my two last years as a UN
Volunteer, I was transferred to Human Resources
Management Section as Records Management
Assistant on 11th September 2009
Staff members who have done records
management know that this job is very sensitive
and demanding, so you need to be physically,
morally and mentally committed. Special thanks go
to the Archives Team; Mr. Paul King, Mr. Roger
Zappy, Ms. Reta Berhane and the Chief Information
Management Unit. My colleagues from Mail and
Pouch Unit; Mr. Alhaji Ahmad Kemokai, Ms.
Evangeline Gbesioh and Mr. Lorenzo Blaise who
every week contacted me before sending the
Diplomatic pouch to New York or the Education
Grant Pouch to Entebbe, I will miss you guys.
I never stopped learning in in Records
Management and I learnt the administration of
benefits and entitlements in Human Resources. My
colleagues, Mr. Gayflor Howard a national staff
from Liberia and Ms. Judith Mshiu, Human
Resources Assistant from Tanzania always gave me
great assistance. It is with a broken heart and tears
in eyes I am writing.
I am very happy to state that I had a
fruitful eight year career with UNMIL as a
UN Volunteer. The experience acquired
is of immense value. To my Liberian
colleagues… always keep up the good
teamwork and the friendly spirit.
It is usually a hard task for anyone to say
‘bye’ to friends and relatives one has
acquainted oneself with for so long. My
heart bleeds to say goodbye to you all,
but as it is said the world is a global
village we will definitely meet each
other again tomorrow, God knows
where. With these few words I say, “Au
revoir!”

Civil Affairs coordinated popular consultations on county and district levels that resulted in the
expansion of the County Development Agenda (CDA) and District Development Plans. The
Nimba County Development Agenda replaced the Nimba County Development Plan 2007-
2011 that was developed earlier. In addition, we developed the Nimba County Local Economic
Development Strategic Plan 2011-2012. The UN Volunteer as CST Project Officer is Advisor to the
Office of the Assistant Superintendent for Development which is charge of the Implementation,
Monitoring and Evaluation of the Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS) and County Development
Agenda (CDA). As such, he/she coordinates County Development Steering Committee (CDSC)
and Working Groups (Pillars) meetings. Until the nomination of the County Development Officer,
the UNV assured the organization of the meetings from the citation to the production of the
minutes and reports. These are some of the tools and mechanisms through which I shared my
knowledge and experiences with my counterparts. I also taught three semesters at the University
of Liberia-Ibrahim Banbagida School of International Relations. This experience was portrayed in
a special issue of the UNV Newsletter.
During my tenure, I learned a lot from so many actors- communities, local authorities, Women’s
and Youth Groups, CSOs, NGOs and INGOs, UN Family, bilateral and multilateral donors,
concessions, among others and many things about Liberian culture and traditions. I learned a lot
about handling and reconciling opposing views and interests in the context of a county with a
diverse ethnicity and immense natural resources. We did not always succeed. The use of Arcelor
Mittal Social Development Fund especially related to its allocation to mining operations
affected communities remains one of the divisive issues. On a positive note, the land conflict
that is one the major treats to security in Nimba is seeing the end of the tunnel. The MIA
Reconciliation and Peace-Building Committee have started paying peace packages to parties
in land and property disputes who have agreed to compromise. Payments have been made in
Sanniquellie, Karnplay, Tappita and Saclepea cities and will continue in Ganta and Bahn after
the run-off Presidential Election. Civil Affairs played a pivotal role in the management and
resolution of the land conflict.
The legacy of decades of armed conflict posed various challenges to my assignment. In the
beginning it was difficult to work in an environment where no working basic system existed.
During my job interview, the UNV Programme/Bonn asked me how I would cope with an
environment without water and electricity systems having been an Ambassador. I answered by
expressing my interest to go back to my native continent I had left in the 1970’s to see how I
could help and share my life and professional experiences. Actually I found Liberia like the
Rwanda I had left in 1970 to study abroad and later to pursue my diplomatic career. Besides
living conditions, I faced enormous challenges including the understanding of Liberian English,
bad road conditions, the reckless driving of youth that once caused the loss of my driving
privileges for three months, lack of motivation and low capacity of the majority of counterparts.
With the understanding and desire to learn from locals and because of their hospitality, some of
these issues found solutions.
MY STORY cont’d
A native of Rwanda and US citizen, I joined the
Civil Affairs Section of UNMIL in January 2005. I was
then deployed to Gbarnga, Bong County, for two
years and to Sanniquellie, Nimba County, for five
years. While managing my daily workload, I
benefited from my work experience around the
world as a career diplomat as well as my
familiarity with cultural sensitivity. I had, however,
to adapt my knowledge and experience in
international politics and conflict resolution
mechanisms to locally sensitive issues in the
context of civil war to find appropriate ways to
tackle them. In this regard, Civil Affairs Section
and UNCST Project were instrumental in providing
useful tools and mechanisms trough trainings and
workshops on all aspects of conflict and peace-
building, mentoring, civil-military coordination,
project management, fiscal management, local
elected leadership roles and competences, local
economic development and human rights based
programming.
I joined the Mission amidst the DDRR process while
violence was still widespread. Mob violence and
taking the law in one’s hands were the rules of the
game. Challenges for the first four years were
mainly to restore state authority, contain violence,
educate people (most of them ex-combatants)
on the rule of law and due process, and put in
place - and implement - conflict resolution
mechanisms particularly in the area of land and
property disputes. Totota Town and Gbarnga City
in Bong County and Ganta, Tappita and
Saclepea Cities in Nimba County were some of
the main hot spots where road blockades and
mob violence occurred daily resulting in our
constantly moving. Since 2007, the focus was on
the consolidation of state authority, development
priority project identification, implementation,
monitoring and evaluation, conflict resolution and
peace-building and capacity building for local
officials and CSOs.
MY STORY
By Aloys Uwimana
UNV Civil Affairs Expert
Aloys on a recently refurbished bridge just outside
Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Liberia

Given the size of Nimba, the bad road network condition and lack of accommodation in
most areas, local authorities secured accommodation for me in their homes. This happened
for example in the City of Bahn in 2008 during the PRS/CDA consultations and Butuuo Town
while coordinating the SRSG visit in January 2011. In 2007 while travelling from Sanniquellie
to Ganta to receive the SRSG, the Superintendent’s car we were using- our Civil Affairs
vehicle was in the workshop- broke down and stuck in the mud. We had to walk miles, sleep
on the benches under the rain in Gbedin and ride motorcycles the next day from Gbedin
to Ganta. We had left Sanniquellie at 17:30 and reached Ganta at 06:30 the next day to
learn that the SRSG trip was cancelled due to bad weather.
Once I also slept in the car along with my colleague the HRPO in Karnplay due to bad road
conditions and curfew. We were coming from BONGAPLAY, Twah River District, at the
border with Côte d’Ivoire where we went for disaster assessment in collaboration with
county officials. As CAE, I am advisor to the County Disaster Committee. In fact, I assumed
RRR and HCS responsibilities since these two Sections were never represented in
Sanniquellie. I will not forget the tragic helicopter accident that killed three crew members
in Ganta in December 2008. I was the first to access the scene along with the BANBATT.
Monrovia was relying on me for hourly information while I dealt with all evacuation
formalities. This accident made me realize how peacekeepers risk their lives while helping
countries and people achieve peace, security and a better way of life.
MY STORY cont’d
Despite all these difficulties, I learned to adjust and got a lot satisfaction out of my work. Of
course Liberia has immensely changed since I arrived in the country. Basic systems are
being gradually restored and housing has mushroomed. The road network is being
rehabilitated and the entertainment industry as well as the transport sector is developing.
Accommodation and restoration services for example can be found in all major centers in
Nimba and the trip from Sanniquellie to Ganta (35 km) is now 35 minutes against hours or
days in the past. Much more, however, needs to be done.
Aloys completed his UN Volunteer assignment at the end of December 2011

The time has come. I am finally leaving Liberia with heavily laden emotions. Seven years ….but it
seems like yesterday. Time flies so fast, but looking back to the level of engagements I have had
and the contributions I made to Mama Liberia’s land and its people proved me that it was a time
well spent multiplied more than a hundred times. There’s no loneliness deep within but sheer
happiness that I made my imprints on how Liberia has turned to be – a far cry from what I saw it to
be in December 2004.
When I received a call from the UN Volunteer Programme, Bonn, Germany in November 2004
asking me if I am available within 2 weeks time to come to Liberia, I was both apprehensive and
excited in coming to Liberia for the UN Mission. Apprehensive because it is a peace keeping
operation and the living condition were worst according to recruitment information received from
UNV. Excited because serving for a UN Mission has always been my dream since childhood and the
best part of it because I will be primarily working to restore and consolidate local governance,
rehabilitate the damage infrastructure and, in general, rebuild the society through development
and peace building processes, including reintegration of ex-combatants and building capacities of
youth and women.
Long live Mama Liberia.
My fulfillment came when I was assigned to Bomi County. The most liberating feeling of all is being
able to make a difference by being out there directly dealing with the different sectors of our
society – the local authority and local leadership from the county up to the village level.
Representatives of the line ministries and agencies, the youth, women and traditional groups, civil
society including the physically handicaps and most of all the communities and villages.
Ma Inecita with the County Superintendent, County Education Officer and school Children in Bomi County
By: Ma Inecita Montero
Civil Affairs Expert

I am truly blessed to have had the support of my section and my supervisor who gave me the
freedom to be able to bring about the most needed interventions in my area of assignment along
with the maximum support from the Pakistani Sector Military Command – its CIMIC and its
Engineering Battalion. They have helped me leave behind tangible legacies in Bomi County. These
include rehabilitating roads and bridges in the interior part of the County (Zarmiyah Town to Beafinie
Town) and literally connect more than 15 villages to the main road and made it possible for cars to
pass through. These villages have suffered for 20 years traversing the road and crossing the river on
foot. The completion of the project made it easier and safer for children to go to school and
enabled the community to easily ship their local produce to the main market and most of all it
facilitated access to development projects and social services to the far off villages and
communities. The most amazing part of this project was being able to mobilize additional support
from the County Authority and the community especially the youth through volunteering their
services from start to finish and learn from the Pakistani Engineers the techniques of building log
bridges and maintaining waterways. It is by this process that the intervention became more
sustainable.
Most important of all that enabled me to contribute more meaningfully in the rebuilding process
was the receptiveness and full cooperation of my government partners especially the county
authority and the communities. They all have made it possible for me to achieve what I have
accomplished in Bomi. I remember my very first project in the very far flung village of Geewoo Town
in Suehn Mecca District where I was able to solicit from friends and colleagues in the Sector and we
donated some school and feeding supplies to the school community. It opened the floodgate of
opportunities for that community and its surrounding villages when I brought with me the County
Superintendent and the County Education Officer and they were able to see for themselves the
dire needs of the community. A few months after that, volunteer teachers were enlisted to teach
around one hundred (100) children were enlisted by the County Education Officer, and supported
by the Ministry of Education, continued to pour in for the community school. It was a very simple
initiative that went a long way.
Now, when I am finally ending my tenure, I am leaving behind the ongoing construction of the
Centre for the Blind in Tubmanbrug. I may not be able to see the project completed but I am very
much grateful to know that the structure for the visually impaired I have started working on in 2009
will finally become a reality. My initial plan was just to come up with a palaver hut for the blind
community after knowing that they were chased out by the landowner from using the small palaver
hut that was rehabilitated by PakBatt. I felt the pain of their helplessness so I first tried to secure from
the City Corporation a piece of land where we could possibly build even just a small palaver hut. At
least the land is theirs. no one will chase them out again from using it. Then, I wrote friends and
colleagues asking for donations just for me to be able to build them a small palaver hut but sad to
say, the response was not forthcoming.
‘Long live Mama Liberia.’ cont’d

Ma Inecita Montero is ‘gowned’ by Mrs. Rebecca T. Benson (l), Asst. Superintendent for Development, Bomi
County and fellow UNV colleagues (L-R), Sarah-Jane Mungo, Progress Luthuli, Caroline Onekalit and
Frances Alesi look on in delight.
A year later, I was blessed to have convinced the late Col. Cortez (G5 CIMIC Chief) of the
importance of this project for the blind community. He believed in my vision and plan for the blind
and Col Cortez asked Pak Engineers 15 to draw up a full blown building plan and he really tried his
best to sell the idea to UNDP and UNMIL QIP. After two years of hoping and praying, UNMIL QIP is
funding the project and Pak Engineers 15 is implementing the project as part of their CIMIC
programme. The idea of a simple palaver hut turned into a real building structure and the greatest
of all is the fact that the County Health Team have accepted to make it to be part of their
Community Health Extension Services and have the Blind Centre built within the Liberia Hospital
Compound. This made me feel confident that the Centre and the blind community will be fully
taken cared of by the Ministry of Health through the County Health Team.
I may be physically out of Liberia but my legacies and my contributions will stay. I am truly glad that I
have touched lives and I did make my contribution in helping Liberia stand on its feet again. I have
fulfilled my dream, my vocation and my passion to be of service and to bring peace and
development.
Long live Mama Liberia!
‘Long live Mama Liberia.’ cont’d

Pushing holistic community
development
Amita Sandhu was a big surprise. This UN
volunteer standing in front of me was the
Project Officer, Community Based Recovery
and Development (CBRD) Unit, UNDP. Amita
had, for the past eighteen months, been the
primary driver behind the completion of several
UNDP led community development projects
across Liberia. Her energy was a palpable, living
thing. The sheer enthusiasm she had for the
work she had been engaged in could be felt.
Armed with a Masters in Development
Management from London School of
Economics (LSE), Amita’s interest in
development was well honed and her recent
experiences in the field have just enhanced
and given tangibility to the theories learnt at
school. “Liberia was an intentional move for
me,” she said. “I wanted to connect directly
with people in the field. The post-conflict
situation coupled with the emergence of the
first female African president further fueled my
interest.”
Wow! Did she ever connect! For just over eighteen months she oversaw the implementation,
directly and indirectly, of over USD 4 million dollars worth of projects across Liberia with
specific emphasis on institutional capacity development, infrastructure for livelihoods, food
security and nutrition, and vocational skills training with micro-enterprise development. Her
work has had a measurable direct impact on the lives of ordinary Liberians, particularly
women and youth.
According to a brief from Amita, over 400,000 rural inhabitants have benefited from the
CBRD Unit’s support to basic infrastructure for livelihood such as farms-to-market
roads/bridges, post-harvest facilities, market places. Through 14 sustainable livelihood
projects, 945 beneficiaries from counties nation-wide received skills training that was carried
out between June 2010 to April 2011. These ranged from motorcycle and generator repairs
trainings, tailoring and weaving skills training, restaurant and catering, piggery production,
swamp rice rehabilitation, mixed vegetable and tuber production, the establishment of a
youth internet café, soap-making centre, youth movie production, lake resort establishment,
restaurant establishment, etc. Many of the local residents in the project areas were able to
attain short term employment.

development cont’d
Many people especially women and youth now have access to farms, better roads and an
improved marketing environment with a noticeable increase in the number of children having
access to better education and health facilities through the basic infrastructure component.
The first six to nine months was a steep learning curve for Amita, but she was encouraged and
inspired by the sheer volume of development work that was going on in the country. Though,
there have been some major challenges and unexpected roadblocks she managed to
navigate these to ensure that her deliverables were met. “I was surprised - and a little daunted-
at first by the hoops I had to jump through to get things done on the ground.” The major
challenge for her has been navigating the disconnect that occurs between implementing a
project in the field and the reality of managing the expectations of all stakeholders including
donors, communities and her supervisors at UNDP. Fortunately for her, the communities have
been fully on board with the projects. Especially where the demand driven approach has been
used. That is, the communities themselves have asked for and have participated fully in
designing and implementing a project. According to Amita, “When a project is initiated by a
community there is more accountability. The members of that community tend to see the long-
term benefits better than implementing partners from outside the community some of whom
have been known to abandon projects in the past.” As such, there is a high level of ownership
on the part of the community making for greater long-term sustainability of projects.
Amita with members of one of the many rural communities she served

Emotional in her reverie at times she recounted an incident that occurred early in 2011 in
Yarpah Town, Rivercess County. She was at a group discussion in the town with beneficiaries
who had complimented UNDP for the cassava processing center that had recently been
built in the community when a farmer questioned why more was not done to give them
equipment to dry the cassava as well. “Before I could respond the community turned to the
farmer and said ‘How could you be so ungrateful? UNDP has done their part so we can use
the profits from the cassava processing to buy our own dryer.’ It was a humbling and
powerful moment for me as that incident made me realize that the mentality of the
community had shifted from one of dependency to actual ownership.” Critical to her
successes was the support she received from colleagues in the CBRD Unit whom she
describes as a ‘great team’ working for the development of Liberia. She is optimistic that,
with some innovative development approaches, the country will go where it needs to be.
The time spent in Liberia has been intense but she is grateful for the experience. “It has been
a really intense period with a lot of learning, triumphs and challenges. However, when I look
back, on a personal level I feel that I can tackle almost anything now on a professional level.
I am going to miss waking up in the morning and feeling that I am a part of something big. I
will miss all the people I have met that have inspired me in different ways - from colleagues
and friends to the young child selling vegetables outside the supermarket. It has been an
absolute privilege to work on the projects that I have and contribute to the development of
Liberia.”
Amita Sandhu ended her tenure as a United Nations Volunteer with UNDP Liberia at the
end of September 2011.
development cont’d

International Volunteer Day/
Launch of the State of World
Volunteerism Report
Photographs by: Staton Winter
Photographs courtesy:
Robert Swinkels

UN Volunteer AGM/ Dinner
9th December 2012
Photographs by: S-J Mungo

Published by: UNV Field Unit, Liberia
unmilunvsupportoffice@un.org
Design & Graphics
MHJ Sarah mungo@un.org

Volunteering Matters to Liberia

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