For me, volunteering with UNICEF is such a tremendous opportunity that has changed me," says Harriet Christine Elasu, UNV Finance Officer with UNICEF Uganda. Harriet is always happy to provide extra support and guidance where it is needed, particularly in the areas of accounting and financial management, and in proper record-keeping.
As a UN Volunteer, Harriet supports UNICEF in Uganda, by conducting financial spot checks and providing capacity development for implementing partners, both within government institutions and non-governmental organizations. The checks are to ascertain whether the resources UNICEF channels through partners are being properly put to their intended use; to ensure that children and mothers benefit accordingly.
Harriet has had several challenges as a volunteer, which translate into valuable lessons for the future.
In one instance, Harriet worked with a partner that was still so new that they did not have adequate office space to accommodate everybody. Consequently, the volunteer worked with the finance and accounting staff members under a tree, which served as their office.
As a volunteer Harriet has learned to be more patient with implementing partners and has strengthened her communication skills. She is always happy to provide extra support and guidance where it is needed, particularly in the areas of accounting and financial management, and in proper record-keeping.
For me, volunteering with UNICEF is such a tremendous opportunity that has changed me. The volunteering spirit is an enabling factor and will remain a memorable life-experience for me for a long, long time, states Harriet.