United Nations Volunteers

I bring something valuable to my work and that is my lived experience. I have been on the other side of humanitarian aid as a refugee and I have also had the benefit of serving as a humanitarian worker. I believe that my passion to serve those in need has made a difference and has shown that it is possible for a refugee to contribute to society.

When I began my assignment in late February, I was so excited. I had my workplan all panned out with specific goals and outcomes. Then all of a sudden, priorities shifted and the plan had to change. I had to learn to rely on technology and think of new ways to engage youth more productively and also equip them to meet the demand in the community. Through designing a series of virtual workshops, events, seminars we were able to keep the youth positively engaged.

Bahati Ernestine Hategekimana, Refugee UN Volunteer, Youth Activities Nairobi, Kenya

Before joining Ukraine’s UNHCR team I spent a year in Indonesia on an exchange program. I found myself in absolutely new environment, faced with numerous challenges. It was there when I understood that I wanted to be the kind of person who supports people new to our culture, help them with their needs. I also felt that I could help displaced people to overcome the sense of fear and uncertainty in a foreign environment by giving them support and empathy. I believe, that peace begins, where stigma ends.

Alina Kovalenko, National UN Volunteer, Communications and Public Information, Kyiv, Ukraine

I wanted to be a UN Volunteer to be part of a community that is working towards making a positive impact on the most vulnerable people’s lives. As a UN volunteer, I am contributing to this effort to the best of abilities in order to help the people of concern. It is a very satisfying experience to have the chance to make a positive difference in someone’s life. During the pandemic, the way we all work has changed, but still we are doing everything to adapt to the new circumstances with our team and working towards our collective goals just as before.

Umay Atik, National UN Volunteer, Protection, Ankara, Türkiye

What inspired me to become a UNV was the fact that I will be able to merge my passion of working on the frontlines of change where I can really contribute and make a difference and my career exposure aspirations of getting wide range of experiences while working in emergency and other UN lifesaving operations.

Working in the field has developed my knowledge of development and international protection and strengthened my knowledge in reporting and external relations. The greatest reward is the fact that my contribution, amongst the incredible contributions of my colleagues, has led to the gradual restoration of the wellbeing and dignity of the persons of concern.

Rediet Hirpaye, International UN Volunteer, Interpretation, Kigali, Rwanda