18 February 2009

Warrap, Sudan: It is exactly four months since I arrived in Sudan as a UNV volunteer Civic/Voter Education Officer with the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS). Although this is my third assignment as a UNV volunteer in the field of elections, I underestimated the challenges of living in the harsh environment with very few comforts in South Sudan.

But even as I travel through the towns and villages several times a week  to get to my duty station of Warrap (a four hour journey to and fro, on very bumpy road) I often forget about the discomforts and am reminded of how fortunate I am and how much I have to be thankful for.

In fact, I am reminded of the bigger picture all along the way! I often see pregnant and old women fetching heavy loads on their heads, walking for miles in the scorching sun.  I encounter many children who should be in school, instead they are all muddy and catching fishes in the little ponds by the roadside, and I see some very sick children who cannot get access to proper medical help.

It is during these times that I have a greater appreciation for my work, the work of other UNV volunteers as well as the important role of the UN mission and its agencies here, in helping to change the lives of millions by paving the way for democracy, good governance, human and women’s rights etc, adjustments which are required to transform the Bomas, Payams [subdivisions], counties and the country as a whole.

Most of my work to date has involved conducting research through interviews and focus group discussions etc. to fill information and infrastructural gaps relating to civic education. Additionally, I have been building and establishing networks with the gatekeepers of my assigned state and conducting workshops and trainings. Visiting schools and sharing information with students and teachers are also part of my activities.

I gain much satisfaction from sharing my professional skills and experience with the people of Sudan, especially when the need is so critical. I have helped in the facilitation of workshops on Civic Education for Civil Society Organizations in Warrap State and in Khartoum for the United nations development Fund for Women (UNIFEM).

These efforts are essential, since the workshop participants are given transferable skills and tools, so they can train others. Additionally, participants are given the tools to develop and implement civic education programmes, which will ultimately help to empower people, particularly women.

Effective civic education programmes on women’s rights, human rights, democracy, HIV/AIDS, elections, good governance  and so on can go a long way in helping  bridging education gaps,  reduce poverty  and improving the lives of people in the Sudan

During the upcoming months, I look forward to working more specifically on voter education initiatives. As I share my experience and knowledge, I hope to learn a lot from the people of South Sudan. I wish to understand as well as better appreciate how they carry on with their daily lives in the face of so much adversity.

I admire the contentment and composure which they display, even though they are surrounded by situations of severe scarcity and the plagues of diseases like cholera, malaria and meningitis coupled with deficient or no health facilities – not to mention poor infrastructure (road networks, schools etc.). I am reminded that our work here is fundamental for bringing about positive change. Moreover, to have a society where people enjoy basic human rights and co-exists peacefully together.

I have no regrets thus far. Do I like it all the time? No! Do I complain sometimes? Of course! Actually, we can always find things to complain about, like the heat and dust in Wau, lack of the comforts of indoor toilets and baths, loneliness and so on.

Then on the flip side, there is so much to be grateful for: the opportunity to travel and experience different cultures, make new friends, gym, vacations, cars, hot and cold water, a safe place to stay with security protection, to name a few.

Even so, I am very happy for this priceless opportunity to serve as a UNV volunteer. I have grown much stronger emotionally and mentally and have a better understanding of myself. This attitude of being grateful has been the key to my staying healthy and contented in the face of challenging situations. Staying busy, taking advantage of the recreational facilities and social activities organized by the welfare unit also make a big difference in helping me to stay motivated and positive.