by Nestor Kinkela, UNV Aviation Mechanic Assistant, UNAMID

29 May 2012

Darfur, Sudan: My name is Nestor Kinkela and working as a UNV Aviation Mechanic Assistant is my dream come true. As a UN Volunteer assigned to the Transport Unit in the African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), I have been able to share my expertise in repairing heavy duty machines to support the Mission’s mandate. My work is my passion.

Born and raised in the Democratic Republic of Congo, I grew up in a small and modest area around Kinshasa, the capital city. Early in my childhood, I developed admiration and curiosity towards mechanics and auto machines. I used to frequent my neighborhood’s workshop and could spend hours just staring at the work in progress. I was so amazed by how everything could be fixed, and by the beauty and power of the engines, that right away I decided to pursue this career.

In July 2008, I arrived in Darfur. For almost four years I have been able to contribute to peacebuilding in this part of the world, keeping most of the El Fasher (North Darfur) airport’s field equipment and special machines running to support the mission’s daily operations. During my assignment I have been able to participate in joint plans between UNAMID and the Government of Sudan to improve the safety and readiness of the aviation system, including Khartoum International Airport. This has been a privilege and a great experience and makes me think of how many people benefit from my services on a daily basis.

What I do has become a very special part of me. I cannot separate myself from my job now. I don’t think I would recognize myself without my passion as a mechanic. This is the area I feel most comfortable with, and the ability to improvise and bring solutions is the key source of my enjoyment. I have been blessed as a UN Volunteer with the opportunity to offer my passion for the construction of peace in Darfur.

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BIO
Although Nestor demonstrated the qualities necessary to succeed as a mechanic, his father was disappointed Nestor did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps as a builder.  When his father decided not to contribute financially to his education, to follow his dream, Nestor sold his small motorcycle to pay for the full academic program in vehicle repair. When this was not enough, looking for any means to become a professional mechanic, he asked for a job from the very workshop where he had spent so many enjoyable hours as a little boy.

Happily, the mechanics received him as part of their team and he was able to complete his education. In 1979, during an apprenticeship with one of the biggest airlines in the country, he progressed quickly and was recruited by the airline before completing the six-month program. Thereafter, he undertook several training courses in Europe, as part of the airline staff.