18 September 2008

Bujumbura, Burundi: People fondly call me Rex probably because it is a lot shorter than my birth name, is Rexallen Bruna Castro Jr. I am a Filipino UNV volunteer who functions as Software Developer and Customer Support Assistant in the Bureau Integre des Nation Unies au Burundi (BINUB) Communications and Information Technology Services (CITS) section.

My responsibilities are to develop applications for the mission, provide support for its existing systems, and assist other staff with their IT (Information Technology) related issues.

A typical day for me revolves within the four corners of my workspace. I check correspondence in the morning to ensure there are no email backlogs in my tray, then resume checking the applications accessibility, monitor incoming customer support requests, and provide needed assistance to IT related issues. Also, I have my personal initiatives to take care of just to break the routine and I occasionally update the BINUB Intranet website for its contents.

To be a UNV volunteer is quite something; it is a rare opportunity bounded by unending commitment and unwavering efforts directed to the worldwide wish – yes, world peace. I went to the mission taking with me all my ideologies on how to carry things out as far as my work is concerned. I came straight from the corporate world so-to-speak; I used to work for a multi-national IT firm whose clients are mostly part of the elite Fortune 100 Global Firms, so I really have IT business strategies and methodologies down.

Coming here, my mind was set – how to behave, what to do. But the UN is really diverse. I had my own personal struggles and started to worry, but I ended up seeing that these people are fighting a harder battle. I need to be tougher. I should have no qualms; after all I am prepared, mentally, emotionally, spiritually; but my expectations are high, maybe because I am young and I want to see the results of giving up a lucrative job to commit as volunteer.

No regrets, I am seeing the enthusiasm… the commitment to achieve a common goal. Also, I can always go back outside UN when this endeavour unfolds – I have my experience, training and degree to back me up.

I have always been a believer in the UN mandate since I was a little boy. This is probably the result of being addicted to history books and novels. So being a UNV volunteer is simply a realization of a childhood dream, but now it is more than that – being part of the team that will safeguard the world peace. It's a 'wow'.

Come to think of it, it may sound like a cliché, but I really want to make a difference. I want to help as much as I can. Not just to satisfy my dream but for everyone out there as well who is sharing the same vision as me to enjoy a peaceful planet. We need to make it work – together. Teamwork is the key.

How does IT relates to peace? It is because we are the background players that see to it that all the tools and resources the frontrunners need to efficiently do their thing are well taken cared of. We are supporting the frontrunners, like the diplomats who are running in and out of the conflict areas to at least convince the opposing parties to talk. We are not directly involved, but are functions are as vital as them.

My short stint as UNV volunteer is probably my way to identify the areas where I could be a key player. 'Key player' does not mean the mission will depend on you all along; instead it just means putting something on the table. I just want to contribute but not to be celebrated as the hero – heroes are just in stories anyways.

Why volunteer? It is because being a UNV volunteer is not long-term. For me, I don't see working for the UN as permanent and it is not a career – it is just a temporary commitment until we secure the peace we are all longing for.

I don't see it coming yet but I am hoping… and I will continue believing that it will come. I have dreamt of peace and I do not want peace to fly away like a dream.