by Queen E. Seketi

07 August 2009

Kalulushi, Zambia: My name is Queen Seketi and I am a UNV volunteer in my country, Zambia. My duty station is Kalulushi, where I am assigned as a District HIV/AIDS Coordination Advisor.

I believe  that the UNV programme under the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Zambia is one of the best things that I have ever participated in. It’s not because of the volunteer living allowance we are given, but because being exposed to different settings helps one work better.

It’s not easy to define volunteerism in our Zambian context because people have always helped one another and done things together. Despite not being paid, people still think volunteerism is good and go on to volunteer under different projects.

I have been blessed to have an assignment in the district where I grew up. The beautiful thing about working in such a set-up is that you already have some idea on how things work in terms of geographical setting and people’s way of life. As volunteers, we conduct joint supervisory visits, and work with anyone regardless of their social status. I love to be associated with good ideas which can make use of my skills and talents.

Starting in April 2004, I was among the first national UNV volunteers to serve as a District HIV/AIDS Coordination Advisor. We literally pioneered the post.

How have communities benefited as a result of this assignment? There is increased awareness on issues of HIV/AIDS. Mobile video shows have aired our clips, and we’ve provided technical assistance to ZANIS, the Zambian News and Information Service. Also, there’s been increased community involvement in bottom-up approaches to HIV/AIDS programming.

Personally, the assignment has helped me gain new skills, like taking photos and videos. I’ve honed my facilitation skills, and have learnt to multitask. I am certain the knowledge I have acquired will help me work better in other settings.