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In the thick of it: Through the Field Officer's eyes in Rwanda
17 July 2008
Blocks of UNHCR accommodation at the Nkamira transit centre in Rwanda. (J. Pollonais/UNV)
When I arrived at my current duty station in the Rusizi district of Rwanda, I was faced with the task of maintaining UNHCR's Cyangugu Antenna Office, as well as managing the transit centre for refugees. Needless to say, this was not an easy task. Read
Ninety minutes makes a difference
15 July 2008
UNV volunteer Zeid Kassouha (right) from Syria, and colleague Talal Hamzeh, prepare to collect money for Iraqi refugees in Syria. (UNV)
As of 2008, there were 1.5 million refugees in Syria, most of them Iraqis. UNV volunteer Registration Clerks with UNHCR Zeid Al-Khail Kassouha and Jihan Taha discuss their feelings about an evening spent raising money for World Refugee Day. Read
This is what counts: Census-taking in Sudan
11 July 2008
This local woman proved to be very knowledgeable about the 2008 census, making the enumerators' jobs that little bit easier. (UNV)
Grace Ikirimat, a UNV volunteer Census Officer with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) describes her role in collecting these essential figures in anticipation of the 2009 Sudan elections. Read
More about: Governance
Countries:  Sudan  Uganda
A zeal for protection and assistance: My work with IDPs in Uganda
19 June 2008
UNV volunteer Perez Abeka (left, in yellow) oversees the distribution of tarpaulins to IDPs in Uganda. (UNV)
I was to assist people internally displaced by the 20-year conflict between the Lord's Resistance Army group and the Government of Uganda. Referring to my Terms of Reference – I would be working as an Associate Protection Officer – it was like a dream come true. Read
Countries:  Kenya  Uganda
Other languages: en français  
Smiles on their Faces: School Feeding Programmes in Afghanistan
09 June 2008
UNV volunteer with WFP in Afghanistan Devaki Shrestha (right) interviews a girl on the impact of UN activities in her area. (D. Shrestha/UNV)
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
Countries:  Afghanistan  Nepal
Other languages: en français  
Alessandra de Magalhaes Lisboa, Brazil, Reintegration Officer, UNMIS
06 June 2008
UNV volunteer Alessandra Lisboa conducts village reception team training near Abyei, Sudan. (UNMIS/UNV)
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
Natacha Nzabampema, Burundi, IT Assistant, MINURCAT
05 June 2008
UNV volunteer Natacha Nzabampema from Burundi, IT Assistant for MINURCAT in Chad. (MINURCAT/UNV)
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
Countries:  Burundi  Chad
Hemalingam Naidu, Malaysia, Movcon Assistant, UNMIT
04 June 2008
UNV volunteer Hemalingam Naidu from Malaysia (in yellow jacket, 1st on left), with the Bangladesh Formed Police Unit after a rapid deployment exercise in Timor-Leste. (UNMIT/UNV)
I ensure that every movement in and out of my duty station follows UNMIT's rules and regulations. I get things moving. Read
Victor Chukwuma Chinweze, Nigeria, Telephone Technician, UNMIT
03 June 2008
UNV volunteer Victor Chukwuma Chinweze establishing communications for UNMIT (UNMIT/UNV)
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
Countries:  Nigeria  Timor-Leste
Mirko Daniel Fernandez, Canada, Forensic Anthropologist, UNMIT
03 June 2008
UNV volunteer Mirko Daniel Fernandez from Canada, Forensic Anthropologist for UNMIT in Timor-Leste, examines human remains to establish the identity of the victim. (UNMIT/UNV)
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

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What does it mean to be a volunteer? Volunteers talk about their work in their own words, and celebrate those moments that show the spirit of volunteerism.
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