02 September 2008

Monrovia, Liberia: A leading UN official has commended UNV volunteers serving with the peacekeeping mission in Liberia.

More than 70 UNV volunteers serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) took part in the volunteer recognition event hosted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj at the German Embassy in Monrovia on 29 August. There are presently about 230 UNV volunteers serving with UNMIL, in roles from IT Assistants to HIV/AIDS Awareness Trainers.
 
The event was a chance for the SRSG to meet with serving UNV volunteers, and she presented plaques of appreciation and certificates to three volunteers for their consistent, reliable and active volunteering for peace and development. These were Public Information Officer Sulaiman Momodu from Sierra Leone, Construction Manager and Engineer Josephine Frusa from the Philippines, and Medical Doctor Abu Saif Munieb from Jordan.

The SRSG said that that UNV volunteers in Liberia went beyond the mission's mandate and were making "inspiring and fulfilling" contributions. "You have my admiration and utmost respect," she said.

The SRSG also noted the volunteers' support for the Liberia School for the Blind in their free time and committed to seek more funding for construction at the School, which has been a UNV special project since 2004. The recognition event was covered in The Liberian Times (click here for link) and other newspapers.