by Adama Sheriff

18 August 2009

N'Djamena, Chad: My name is Adama Sheriff, a UNV volunteer currently serving as a Vehicle Technician with the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). Over the last nine months with MINURCAT, I have performed in various capacities, ranging from those of a purely technical nature to administrative tasks too.

As a technician, I always strive to be innovative, bringing new ideas and alternative approaches in resolving technical problems. Prior to my UNV volunteer service, I had been engaged in similar assignments back home in Sierra Leone for more than six years.  

The work I am carrying out is even more challenging because of the present stage of the mission: in fact the lack of manpower and the limited supply of spare parts and extra tools badly needed for vehicle maintenance represent the biggest challenges I am facing in this moment. To this, I also have to mention difficulties coming from the complexities of this country and its delicate relationships with its neighbours.

Despite all these challenges, I continue my volunteer commitment with passion and enthusiasm in order to contribute to the achievement of the mission’s mandate. This enthusiasm comes not only from my colleagues in the Transport Section, but also from other staff members who are always very gentle and full of positive suggestions for me. And I always try to do the best I can so that all vehicles brought in for maintenance or repairs are dealt with in the shortest period of time.

My work as a UNV volunteer Vehicle Technician includes, but is not limited to: repair and maintenance services for UN-owned vehicles in compliance with stringent UN standards; assurance that all relevant safety and mechanical procedures are followed in carrying out fittings and the replacements of parts; vehicle inspections and diagnosis to detect faults; and making requests for spare parts, etc.

I also work on the automotive electrical system, touch-up painting of vehicles involved in minor accidents, updating the car log system after maintenance, and other electrical repairs including charging up batteries. And I perform various administrative functions, such as serving as the workshop receptionist and compiling vehicle repairs and service reports.

In order to enhance my knowledge and polish my existing skills, I was given an opportunity to attend a week-long training during January 2009 in Brindisi, Italy. The training was organized by the United Nations Logistics Base (UNLB) on Nissan Patrol 4x4 heavy duty vehicles.

It was quite an enriching and exciting experience, where I not only learnt technical lessons but also had the occasion to visit the UN logistics base, meet with colleagues from other peacekeeping operations and exchange information.

I did not leave this learning in Brindisi, but I have brought my new knowledge to work and shared it with my colleagues, especially the national staff. I believe that helping develop the capacity of our Chadian colleagues will not only be beneficial for us but also for them in the long run.

My professional skills have been further fostered by my section chief Heinz Fuchs and my direct supervisor Paul Bohm, from whom I have always received considerable motivation and moral support. My colleagues in the Transport Section have also created a friendly atmosphere and a positive team spirit that has united us in efficiently and effectively achieving the priorities set for transport section.

My appreciation goes to our UNV Support Office in MINURCAT, for remaining available and willing to provide every possible assistance to UNV volunteers.  Bravo to all UNV volunteers worldwide!