A UNV volunteer with extensive experience with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Afghanistan looks back on the impact of school feeding programmes she has worked on. Distributing food helped keep girls in education, and kept the schools going. Read

After years of north-south war, the signing of Sudan's peace agreement in early 2005 meant refugees could go back to their places of origin. As a 'triple R' officer, I assist people as they come home and guide them as they begin to rebuild their lives. Read

My team of five looks after an office of over 250 people. I keep MINURCAT connected.

The IT helpdesk supports civilian staff at the United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT) – looking after both software and hardware. In Chad, almost no IT infrastructure exists... That's why you'll never find any of the IT staff in their offices for more than 30 minutes. We are on the go all the time, ensuring MINURCAT's civilian and police staff are up and running too. Read

I ensure that every movement in and out of my duty station follows UNMIT's rules and regulations. I get things moving. Read

I operate and maintain the Mission’s communications infrastructure... That means I keep people in touch.

UNMIT's Integrated Mission Support Services are as advanced as they are vibrant and I contribute in no small measure towards meeting UNMIT’s communications needs. This is ensured by a continuous and systematic approach and responding to daily demands and requirements, often meeting tight and difficult deadlines. Read

I put names to the dead and help see that justice is done.

As a result of my mentorship, the forensic officer I helped will become one of the country's most knowledgeable forensic experts. Read

I help the legal system operate as it should.

Under the Legal and Judicial Systems Support Division of UNMIL, I monitor, observe, advise and report on judicial processes in Lofa County – where the Liberian war originated. Read

I build bridges and communication between UNMIL, Government and the people we serve. I encounter a great variety of tasks and problems - such as a bridge that literally needed rebuilding. Read

The climate is in constant change... This was the main reason behind my application to become a UNV volunteer.

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Volunteering to create change in society is like catalysis - and the volunteer is the catalyst - says UNV volunteer Floriza Palanas-Mendoza, MD. Read