UN Volunteer Blasio Amoche Omulama, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (WFP) with the ‘Rescue Divas Women’s VSLA Group’ in Isiolo County, Kenya.
UN Volunteer Blasio Amoche Omulama, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist (WFP) with the ‘Rescue Divas Women’s VSLA Group’ in Isiolo County, Kenya.

UN Volunteers Drive Digital Solutions

Two UN Volunteers, Blasio Amoche and Mohamed Gololcha, are showcasing how digital innovation when paired with a commitment to service, can transform and enhance sustainable development. Their work highlights the vital role of young experts in creating change. 

As a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Specialist with the World Food Programme (WFP) in Isiolo County, Blasio harnesses digital tools like mobile data collection and data visualization to turn complex information into actionable insights. His efforts support local governments, programme staff, and partners in implementing impactful initiatives aligned with WFP’s mission to save and change lives.

Blasio’s passion for youth empowerment shines through his mentorship of over 60 young volunteers from Isiolo and Samburu counties. Through training in M&E best practices, including survey design and analysis, he has enhanced their skills and employability, with five mentees now employed by local organizations as M&E and programme officers.

Blasio’s community engagement extends beyond data. By facilitating initiatives like Village Savings and Loaning Associations (VSLAs) and promoting youth participation in agribusiness, he empowers rural communities to lead their development processes. Supporting over 500 VSLAs across Isiolo and Samburu counties, impacting 10,000+ members, Blasio helps communities embrace sustainable food systems, reduce dependency, and build resilience.

One standout project involves the Farmers Service Center (FSC) model under the Youth in Agribusiness programme. Blasio supports local champions like David Nmeyan, who now trains over 52 farmers in poultry farming. “One group I trained started with 100 birds. Now they have 750!” David shares. These FSCs exemplify the potential for agricultural value chains to create employment and drive rural economic growth.

In Marsabit County, Mohamed Gololcha focuses on enhancing development coordination as a Coordination Assistant for the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework. His role involves leveraging digital tools to facilitate stakeholder mapping, streamline communication, and improve information sharing between UN agencies and local partners.

Mohamed’s work is essential for ensuring that development programs reach their intended beneficiaries. By strengthening county-UN coordination and promoting digital information exchange, he helps translate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into actionable local initiatives.

“This role requires strong communication skills,” Mohamed reflects.

“It has pushed me to grow in areas like interpersonal relations, coordination, and understanding the complexities of development work.”

Despite the challenges, he finds his work deeply fulfilling, describing volunteerism as a small but impactful step toward a better world.

Blasio and Mohamed’s journeys highlight the potential of young people to drive sustainable development when equipped with the right skills and opportunities. Their advice for aspiring changemakers is clear.

“Don’t wait for the perfect job. Start with what you have and make a difference.”

Their dedication to turning digital pathways into tangible progress reminds us that with innovation and determination, youth can truly lead the way toward a brighter, more inclusive future.