UNV Dr. Mahesh Babu Pullukollu, UNMIL) (R) assisting Dr Teljan Jounisbekov, Chief Surgeon, ONUCI (L) and Dr Legesse

Yigzaw Yalew, Surgeon, UNAMID (C) in an amputationPhotograph courtesy: Dr. M.B. Pullukollu

Message from DSRSG (R&G), Moustapha Soumaré Message from the new UNV PO & new Country Coordinator ECOWAS Volunteers Programme for LiberiaIn the line of Fire- UN Volunteers from UNMIL ‘on the frontline’‛ of the Cote D’‛Ivoire conflict2B-16 Little WleeboMy Volunteer Story- UNV Anne Njoroge, MOP’‛s Gwendolyn Myers & YOCADSReflections- UNV Osman Benk Sankoh, PIO says ‘Farewell”

One Vision

Mr. Moustapha SoumaréDSRSG (R&G)/

Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator & UNDP Resident Representative

It is my pleasure to see that this edition of One Vision has been dedicated to the tenthanniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10), presenting a unique opportunity tohighlight the significant role of volunteerism in accelerating progress toward achieving theMillennium Development Goals.

The important role and contribution of volunteerism to sustainable development and peace cannotbe overemphasized. Recognizing the power of volunteerism, the international communitydesignated 2001 as International Year of Volunteers (IYV). In the resolution adopted by theUnited Nations General Assembly at the end of IYV in 2001, Member States stressed thatneglecting to factor volunteering into the design and implementation of policies could entail therisk of overlooking a valuable asset and undermine traditions of cooperation that bind communitiestogether. To reaffirm the significance of volunteerism the General Assembly decided to mark thetenth anniversary of the IVY.

IVY+10 while aiming at showcasing the diversity, breadth and depth of volunteering worldwide,offers a chance to highlight the contribution of volunteerism to the strengthening of societies andcapacities to achieve peace and development in a sustainable manner. Therefore, I am particularlypleased that the United Nations Volunteers are taking the opportunity, with the commemorationof IVY+10, to engage with local counterparts in enhancing the role of volunteerism in acceleratingthe national development of Liberia. With support of the UNVs the Liberia Volunteer CoordinationCommittee for Development (LVCC4D) was established in February 2011 by the Ministry of Youthand Sport, constituting an important step in strengthening volunteerism as a strategic resource toachieve the national development goals as envisaged in Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS).

It is inspiring to see Liberians who volunteer their time, energy and resources out of a sense ofsolidarity and responsibility. Through engagement in initiatives such as the National YouthVolunteer Service or the Volunteer for Peace Programme, young people have shown that they canand want to play a critical role in strengthening national capacities and promote national ownershipand leadership of development efforts.

The Government of Liberia, together with its citizens, has already proved that Volunteerism is onthe Frontline of its everyday work towards a peaceful and prosperous Liberia. I am confident thiswill ensure that those efforts will be truly sustainable.

Moustapha SoumaréDeputy Special Representative of the Secretary GeneralResident Coordinator and Humanitarian CoordinatorUNDP Resident Representative

2

One Vision

Mr Eric Opoku, UNV Programme Officer, UNV Field Unit, Liberia & Mr. Mohamed K. Sesay, Country Coordinator,

ECOWAS Volunteer Programme, LiberiaEric Mohamed

Warm Greetings, fellow volunteers,

Liberia is entering an interesting phase in its efforts to consolidate peace and stability in the countryas a prerequisite for advancing development and volunteerism has paid an important role in thatprocess. The test is the up-coming elections, which UN Volunteers and other partners are collectivelysupporting. In recent times elections in Africa, and elsewhere, have become convenient cause fordisruptive behaviour . Nevertheless, we believe Liberia has learnt from her past, and lessons fromrecent incidents in neighbouring Ivory Coast and say “NO to unconstructive behaviour”, during theelectoral period.

How can we help make the elections peaceful this year? Each of us should demonstrate by ourexemplary conduct that will promote and encourage everyone to be peaceful and responsible,particularly with our Liberian colleagues,. The simple tools at our disposal include, but are not limitedto: constructive dialogue; fairness to oneself and others; transparency in our dealings; listening andrespecting the views of others- particularly our opponents; and co-existing with each other in order tofoster respect and receptivity. For Liberians this year’‛s elections offers the unique opportunity todemonstrate that notwithstanding the past they can make positive choices and use their energiesproductively. As volunteers, we encourage our national colleagues to educate themselves about theelectoral process and volunteer to engage in civic education of the various Liberian publics to enhancecommon understanding and minimize misinformation which has the propensity to lead to conflict. Let usresolve to avoid any form of negativity against our own brothers and sisters in the name of politicaldifference. On the contrary, practice collaboration with all partners in pursuit of the noble agendaof peace and development.

In line with our mandate of promoting peace and development in Liberia through volunteerism, UNVolunteers is also providing support to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)Volunteer Programme (EVP), a pilot programme of the regional body, that will bring forty skilledyouths, teachers, nurses, doctors, and other health related personnel- from ECOWAS member statesto Liberia. The programme, that is starting with Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea and Guinea Bissau, willgradually expand to other member states, and will help to consolidate peace, recovery and developmentin crisis-affected countries, through partnership with all relevant stakeholders. The EVP willcomplement existing programmes for peace-building and help to address the structural causes ofvulnerability, instability and outbreaks of conflict in the sub-region. It is our conviction that thecollaborative efforts of UN Volunteers, EVP, our partners and stakeholders will promote the sustainedpeace and development of Liberia.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10) and we lookforward to your active participation in IYV+10 activities, which will be launched soon. Let’‛s celebrateour contributions as volunteers to the development of Liberia, attract more volunteers to join us, andin the same spirit of volunteerism and partnership, promote peace and development for the attainmentof the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Liberia.

We salute you all and wish you the very best.

3

One Vision

Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary actions. One can only imagine the situationthat obtained in Cote D’‛Ivoire at the end of March 2011..... Alassane Ouattara’‛s forces advancingon the capital Abidjan,........... Laurent Gbagbo holed up in the presidential palace, still refusing togive up power... the constant flow of Ivoirians fleeing to find safe haven(s) in neighbouringLiberia, Ghana and Guinea- preferring to become refugees rather than participate in, or bearwitness to, the violent conflict that had engulfed Cote D’‛Ivoire because Laurent Gbagbo refusedto step down after elections which, according to international observers, was won by Ouattara.

Into the mix come two UN Volunteers, stationed in Liberia, whose only mission is to serve thepeople of Cote D’‛Ivoire with their skills as medical professionals. UNV medical personnel Dr.Mahesh Babu Pullukollu and nurse Florence Najula Ojwang had no idea what they would meet onthe ground when they were asked to go to Cote D’‛Ivoire as backup medical personnel. Neither ofthem had been in a situation like this before and both had different reactions to the request.

L: Florence Najula Ojwang andDr. Mahesh Babu Pullukollu

Dr Mahesh admitted his excitement at being asked to serve saying, “After I received the callfrom Dr. Desta Teferi, Chief Medical Officer, UNMIL [on Saturday 1st April] I was excited. Ihave wanted to experience something like this since I was a child. Now the opportunity had comeas a medical doctor and I was needed. I could not refuse the chance to save lives.” Florence was abit more prosaic, ”My thoughts were on the UNV that had recently been shot. It was scary, but Iaccepted the challenge because it was something I had never done before and I wanted thatexperience.”

After they were asked to go theywere not airlifted to Abidjan untilthe following Monday. The medicalteam at ONUCI had requestedvarious medical supplies that werein short supply in Abidjan thatwere critical to them being able tocontinue to serve the wounded inthe conflict zone that Ivory Coasthad become. Dr. Mahesh spent thatSunday gathering the neededsupplies from UNMIL MedicalSection and Jordanian Medical(JORMED).

Having left Monrovia in convoy at 4am, they boarded the flight to Cote D’‛Ivoire with a smallamount of clothes, even less food and a little money. “Just the two of us were on the flight” saidFlorence “I prayed most of the way.” They arrived in Abidjan to an airport full of French militarypersonnel and only one MOVCON staff to greet them. “I felt scared.” admitted Florence with asmile. ”The only thing we could see when we landed were tanks and heavily armed French militarypersonnel. All the offices were closed so we had to off-load the plane-full of medical suppliesourselves aided only by the pilot and the one MOVCON staff. “The airport was eerily quiet.”commented Mahesh. “French military tankers were parked all over the airport. I was not reallyscared but it made me realize how serious the situation was.”

Photograph courtesy: Dr. M.B. Pullukollu

4

One Vision

Upon arrival, Mahesh called Dr, Teferi, CMO UNMIL, to let him know that they had arrived safely.They then had over a two hour wait for the helicopter that was to airlift them, and the muchneeded medical supplies, to the UN compound in Abidjan. It was too treacherous to go by road.The helicopter finally arrived and they made the short flight to the ONUCI compound, the pilotflying along the coastline as a precaution against possible attack. Once at the compound they weretaken directly to the Medical Unit where they met Dr. Moise, CMO ONUCI who welcomed, briefedand introduced them to the medical team they would be part of. They were then issued helmetsand bullet proof vests to wear due to the constant hazard of stray bullets, especially when one wasmoving around outside the buildings. Jacques Mowaya UNV PM welcomed the two UNVs in hisoffice after which they went to the main building to deposit their bags and make their way tomedical.

The scene was one of organised chaos at the clinic. “Blood was all over the place. The floors, thebeds, the furniture, and the stretchers. Everywhere!”, recounted Florence. “Patients took upalmost every available space in the building including the floors. We had to jump over the bodies onthe floor to get into the clinic, stepping all the while into pools of blood.” They went straight towork. . “When we got there and saw the reality of the situation we just jumped right in to try tosave as many lives as possible.” Florence’‛s first patient had a bullet wound through the thigh andhad to be taken to the operating theatre where Dr. Mahesh assisted. The patient lived.

Dr. Mahesh assisted in four operations onthat first day the last one completed at halfpast two (2.30am) Tuesday morning. Headmitted that though he was tired from theearly morning journey, lending support to themedical team,- the reason that they werethere, was more important. “The medicalstaff was exhausted and extremely gratefulfor the extra hands.”

Florence assisting Dr. Lawrence Vitto in suturing a gunshot injury left hand of an Ivorian

Dr. Pullukollu assisting Dr Teljan (ONUCI) and Dr.. Leggesse (UNAMID) in amputation

Those first few days were difficult for the two.“The first night I felt too vulnerable so I movedout of the main building, which is on a small hill,and stayed in the clinic. “The sounds of bombsand gunshots did not help.” said Florence withmassive understatement. “I would wake up witha jolt after a heavy bomb blast and touch myselfall over to make sure I was still alive. I wouldtell God ‘I came here to help people, I did notcome here to die”.

Photograph courtesy: Dr. M.B. Pullukollu

Photograph courtesy: Dr. M.B. Pullukollu 5

One Vision

Mahesh was more accepting of his fate, “I was fairly calm though at first I slept in fits and startsdue to the bombing that shook the building. However, in those first few days it was not being ableto speak to my family that upset me most. Once I was able to speak to them, about four days afterI arrived, I was fine and could relax.”

Dr Mahesh and Ms Florence with ONUCI UNV PO Mr Jacques Mouaya

Food also proved to be a major challenge. “I did not eat the first two days. The canned food fromthe ration boxes we were given was inedible.” recounted Mahesh. Both he and Florence had managedto buy some snacks at UNMIL PX before travelling but this was not enough to sustain them. “Thefirst week was hard. I was really hungry, the medical staff was hungry and the patients werehungry, but we kept on working. Imagine...One bowl of rice and one bowl of soup shared amongfifteen to twenty persons. But we made the best of it.” “When me came together for lunch weenjoyed each other despite the conditions. Though most of the jokes shared were in French we stilllaughed. It relaxed us.” said Mahesh. “The UNV PM and CAS at ONUCI checked on us regularlyoffering much appreciated moral support.” Over the next two weeks of their stay things graduallyimproved and they were able to access more food as the conflict started to come to some kind ofresolution with the arrest of Laurent Gbagbo.

Mahesh and Florence returned to their duty station at UNMIL on April 25th 2011 with a new foundconfidence in their abilities as medical personnel. “This experience has made me very confident inmy chosen profession and in my skills as a nurse. It has shown me that I can use the limitedresources at my disposal to save lives anywhere in the world.” said Florence. Mahesh was bothpragmatic and optimistic in his reverie, “This situation showed that such a crisis can arise anywhere,even at UNMIL, so we should all be prepared for the worst. Normally, in our regular duties we don’‛ttreat civilians, but at ONUCI we had to treat everyone, which as a UNV gave me great satisfaction.I was able to give my best as a doctor in extraordinary circumstances and helped save a lot oflives”.

Written by: S-J Mungo, AIC Specialist, UNV Field Unit, Liberia

Photograph courtesy: Dr. M.B. Pullukollu

6

One Vision7

Liberia is currently playing host to over one hundred thousand refugees from Ivory Coast. The campat little Wleebo is one of two camps in Maryland County, the other is at Ferguson Hill in Harper Citywhich was the first camp set up by UNHCR and its partners to assist refugees fleeing the Ivorianconflict that ‘ended’ in April 2011. According to Dipesh Verma, UNV Human Rights ProtectionOfficer, “The population has more than doubled in most of the communities of Maryland County. Insome homes, a dozen refugees are squeezed into one small bedroom.I have to admit that I had no clue what to expect. Though I was excited, images of refugee camps Ihad seen on television [none good] flashed through my mind. Would my worst fears be confirmed?The landscape on the road to Little Wleebo was simply breath taking, working like a calming balm onmy fears. Our UNV colleague, Civil Affairs Expert Omar Mall was our willing guide and suppliedDhruba and I with a fountain of information about the camp and the current state of the refugeepopulation.

It is important to note that while the Ferguson Hill Camp was an ad hoc camp born out of necessity,the Little Wleebo Camp is a planned settlement where the UNHCR, the Danish Refugee Council(DRC) - camp managers, and primary partners MERCI (Health), OXFAM (Water & Sanitation),UNICEF (Education), and WFP (food) hope to eventually move all the refugees in Maryland County.“Most of the refugees have refused to move into formal camps. They are still staying in the bordercommunities that are closer to home. They cross the border each day to search for food and familymembers.” said Dipesh. For the refugees at Ferguson Hill it has become a mandatory move as theowner of Ferguson Hill has given a deadline of July 31st for the removal of all refugees from theproperty.

2B-16 Little Wleebo.......... That’‛s the address of one Ivorianrefugee family for an indefinite period at the Little Wleebo RefugeeCamp on the outskirts of Harper Maryland County, Liberia. It is theplace where all the refugees in Harper are to be relocated to by July31st 2011. The conflict in Ivory Coast displaced so many people that it ishard for most of us to comprehend the scale of the humanitarian crisisunless we get up close and personal. My colleague Dhruba Yogi and I didjust that on a monitoring visit to UN Volunteers in Harper recently andwere surprised by the spirit of volunteerism we found at the camp.

Upon arrival at the camp I was struck by the sense of orderliness- This was a well thought out andorganized compound. Bolton Dennis, Assistant Camp Manager greeted us warmly and offered to takeus on a tour. It was as I had sensed, the camp was laid out in systematic grid blocks - A-F so far-

Dhruba Yogi, UNV Admin/Finance Officer with Mr. Bolton Dennis , Assistant Camp Manager (DRC)    stand  in  front  of  two  orderly  rows  of  ‘temporary’  dwellings  at  Little  Wleebo  Refugee  

Camp Photograph by: S-J Mungo

One Vision8

and had running water, toilets (pit latrines), bathroomfacilities, well constructed temporary living quartersand could hold up to seven thousand (7,000) persons.The materials for the living quarters are supplied byUNHCR and the DRC and the refugees are responsiblefor getting them built themselves so they help eachother. All the dwellings have addresses, for example2B-16 Little Wleebo, and the refugees do what theycan to make it a home. Like Mr. Ferdenis (photo left),who was busy making a strainer/ grater when wewalked by his place. He had also enclosed his smallverandah area with mud bricks thereby creating aprivate sitting room for his family. Bolton explainedthat the camp was set-up primarily with the help ofIvorian refugee volunteers. Enlightening andsurprising to me given the circumstances. Iimmediately asked if I could speak to any of thevolunteers and Bolton obliged my request andintroduced me to Patricia Guchi and Maximen Koube,two of the refugee volunteers.

Patricia had crossed the border with two children intow, sixteen and one year old girls. Her husband wasleft behind and she has not heard from him sinceleaving Cote D’‛Ivoire. “I am worried about him, thathe is not with us. It has been difficult as I havehad to do everything by myself here.” she said. Thisincludes helping to build the dwelling space sheoccupies with her children. Still she volunteers withWFP for food distribution and on the sanitation teamthat keeps the camp clean. “She is one of ourvulnerable women as she is single, yet Pat alwaysgives help with a smile.” said Bolton.

Maximen came with his fiancée. Their wedding had to be called off due to the conflict. Both havebeen actively volunteering in the camp and see it as their duty. Max, as he is fondly called by all,helped with the installation of the electrical wiring at the camp said, “Volunteerism is important.We must put our hands together to help people, especially under our present circumstances.Unfortunately not everyone will work for free and I often find myself talking to my fellow campdwellers about the importance of volunteering to help with things that need to be done around thecamp.” “Max is right we are continually encouraging others to volunteer” says Patricia. When askedwhen they will return to Cote D’Ivoire both said that they will not return until they feel it is trulysafe to do so. “I am impressed with them,” says Bolton “They are always ready and willing to helpout, always on the frontline volunteering to help in whatever way they can.”“Volunteerism is a key factor in maintaining the camp,’ noted Rao Kondal, Camp Manager (DRC) whomwe met as we made our way back to where we started. “Community involvement is a very importantfactor. Everything that goes on at the camp needs the assistance of Ivorian refugee volunteers” hesaid.

Ivorian volunteers Patricia and MaximenPhotograph by: S-J Mungo

Mr. Ferdenis making a strainer/ graterPhotograph by: S-J Mungo

One VisionWritten by: S-J Mungo, AIC Specialist, UNV Field Unit, Liberia with inputs from Dipesh Verma, Human Rights Protection Officer, UNMIL 9

As we walked around, something kept niggling at theedge of my consciousness. All around the camppeople were engaged in some activity, some had littlestalls in front of their dwelling selling pepper,provisions and sundries, women were busy cooking orcarrying water from water pumps installed atstrategic locations by OXFAM, others were washingand children were playing without a care in the world.A barber shop had even been established. And it wasmarket day as Liberians from the surroundingcountryside brought vegetables and provisions to sellto the refugees. Then I had an ‘Ah ha!’ moment, itstruck me -The camp had a feeling of permanence.

People looked as if they were settling in for the longhaul. I put the question burning in my mind to Rao……Just how long was the camp going to be here for?His response “Until all the refugees feel safe toreturn to their homes in Cote D’Ivoire.”

There are about twenty eight thousand (28,000) refugees presently registered in Maryland County.

Woman refugee cooking by the fireside in one of three communal kitchens at the camp

Photograph by: S-J Mungo

The kids were beautiful and a few obliged by posing for a few photosPhotographs by: S-J Mungo

One Vision

At 10:00 am on June 4th 2011, I excitedly packed my bags and was driven to the RobertsInternational Airport outside of Monrovia. I had recently become a National UN Volunteer servingas the National Coordinator for the International Year of the Volunteer 10th Anniversarycommemorations and was on my way to Dakar, Senegal for a regional consultation with othernational coordinators, UNV programme officers, government officials from across Africa and theInternational Programme Team of the IYV+10 from UNV HQ Bonn, Germany. This regionalconsultation was an opportunity to exchange experiences and practices regarding the state ofvolunteerism in countries across Africa, share ideas and learn new ways in which we couldsuccessfully celebrate IYV+10 in our respective countries and ensure the sustainability ofvolunteerism beyond IYV+10.

In its resolution A/Res/63/153 of 2008, the UN General Assembly proclaimed the year 2011 formarking the tenth anniversary of the International Year of Volunteers (IYV+10). The objective ofIYV+10 is to celebrate volunteerism as an expression of our common humanity, respect,understanding, trust, solidarity and reciprocity; engage the will, positive energy and innovation ofmillions of people towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals; and create an enablingenvironment for citizen engagement. The IYV+10 provides an opportunity to draw global attentionto, and recognize the role and contribution of volunteers in peace and development.

At the Airport, I met up with my travelling companions; Patrick Mbayo, the Assistant Minister ofYouth Services at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, who represented the Government of Liberiaand Gwendolyn Myers, Executive Director of Messengers of Peace, the civil society representativefor the Liberia Volunteer Coordination Committee for Development (LVCC4D). The UN VolunteersProgramme Manager Abigail Willmer and Programme Officer Eric Opoku and were already in Dakar.We boarded the Air Nigeria flight and after a nine hour stopover in Accra, we arrived in Dakar at3:00am the next morning.

L-R: Eunice Dahn, Abigail Willmer and Gwendolyn Myers in DakarPhotograph by: Philip Sen

10

One Vision

During the first session of the meeting after theusual round of introductions, participantsdiscussed the level of motivation, time and energythat they have to focus on the IYV+10 activities,their preparation so far, the diversity of existingpartners, possibilities of strengtheningpartnerships, their ability to influence publicpolicy and the possibility of expanding the debateon volunteerism in their respective countries. Thisexercise set the stage for sharing best practicesand experience amongst partners.

On day two of the meeting, Minister Mbayopresented on a panel discussion on ‘Volunteerismand the MDGs’‛. Thereafter group sessions wereheld during which members of the group rotatedand discussed four major themes: Advocacy forVolunteerism; Influencing Public Sector Policies;Effective Legal Frameworks; and Volunteering forImpact and Results. Based upon the discussionsthat were held, draft recommendations weredeveloped and shared with the group for inputs,comments, and finalization.

On the final day of the meeting, there was a sharefair where participants from each country made apresentation on the current state of volunteerismin their country, shared their plans on how theyintend to celebrate the IYV+10, highlighted theprogress that had been made so far and thechallenges and setbacks encountered. The Liberiandelegation had developed a powerful picturepresentation that highlighted some of the activitiesof volunteer organizations towards peace anddevelopment, the level of progress we had made andour planned activities in regards to the IYV+10celebrations. Gwendolyn Myers presented on behalfof the Team.

By the end of the meeting, the Liberian delegation had solidified their existing plans for theIYV+10 celebration, had learned new ways to promote volunteerism in their country and hadhelped participants from other countries by sharing the Liberian experience with them.

After all is said and done, the experience was a very rewarding one for all involved and I ampositive that Liberia is the better for it.

The Liberian Team prepare to present to fellow delegates in Dakar

Written By: Eunice Dahn, National Coordinator IYV+10 (Liberia)

Part of the Liberia Team’‛s exhibit Photograph by: Philip Sen

11

One Vision

I am UNV Anne Wangui Njoroge and I am aTraining Assistant at UNMIL’‛s IntegratedMission Training Centre (IMTC). I met Mr.Sabatoe Neufville, founder of United YouthMovement Against Violence (UYMAV), the youthorganization that runs the Kingsley LingtonElementary School in Fendall Township,Paynesville, at UNMIL shortly after I arrived inLiberia in 2008. After several meetings andvisits to the school, I knew I wanted tocontribute to the noble vision of a communityschool. My contribution would be to empowerthe youth teachers by building their confidencethough teaching them the fundamentals of self-development.

I knew it would be a win-win situation for bothof us. I would get satisfaction that I wasdirectly contributing positively to the teachers’‛lives -and indirectly to the children needs- plusingrain the fundamentals of the topicsdiscussed. The teachers would benefit bylearning about conventional yet fundamentalpersonal development issues in an informalrelaxed setting. The teacher training sessionswould also focus on empowerment of theteachers by developing the inner person, andequipping them with positive attitudes. It wouldoffer them an opportunity to interact with theinternational community and learn informallyfrom them through visits from otherinternational colleagues.

UNV Anne Wangui Njoroge

I started facilitating sessions on self-awareness at the end of January 2011, The first topic wasbuilding self confidence and the discussion points were in line with prevalent issues in the societylike domestic violence and respect for self and others. In following sessions we discussed selfleadership, role modeling, self-regulation, internal validation versus external validation and theJohari Window which emphasizes a holistic approach of understanding self by getting feedbackfrom others.Over the five months, we have had eight sessions, the teachers range from four to eight persession. Most of the volunteer teachers are male. However, three ladies have participated atdifferent times. According to the teachers they say the classes have been interesting, that theyhave learnt a lot about self-awareness. That the learning’‛s have shaped the way they interact withtheir friends and the children. They now see their roles as leaders of influence in their interactionswith others. From June 2011, we begun a book club to read and discuss the book, “Awaken theGiant Within” by Anthony Robbins. We’‛ve agreed to read and discuss the book chapter by chapter.

Photograph by : S-J Mungo

12

One Vision

The teachers have agreed on a schedule of sharing the book and then after a fortnight we discussthe concepts in the book. Other activities to be done in the future include experiential teambuilding session and a discussion on career development

Although in the short term the learning is more about discovering the person, the impact of theprogram spreads to the relationships the teacher have with their students, their classmates andtheir families. It has given them a different perspective. It might be too soon to determine thebroader impact of the teacher training sessions on a wide level, however from an individualfeedback level from the youth volunteer teachers shows they are finding a word of encouragementfor themselves. One of them commented that ‘The giant in them is currently struggling but will soonwake up’‛. Hopefully the discussion sessions will influence them in both tangible and intangible waysas they interact with the students and their families so that they will be the leading lights in asociety that is in dire need of role models.

In my view, I see the school growing and Mr. Neufville’‛s vision becoming a reality. Mr. Neufvillecontinues to talk to well wishers and supporters about his vision and more people, like myself, arevolunteering and committing their time and resources. The UNV Field Office in Liberia organized amedical outreach for the children last October 2010 and a young man from Brazil is helping to raisefunds so that more facilities can be added to the school. The president of Liberia, Madame EllenJohnson-Sirleaf and the county superintendant have also visited the school in support of theeffort. The local population is volunteering their skills as teachers and help with the maintenance ofthe school. In 2011, the school increased from 160 students to 260 students between the ages of 3to 20 years who attend classes from nursery to 6th grade. As for Mr. Neufville’‛s mobilization ofyouth vision, it runs concurrently with the school project during weekends when the schoolactivities are not being carried out.

Anne (centre) with teachers of KLES and Mr. Sabatoe Neufville (R: In red T-shirt)Photograph by : S-J Mungo

Written by: Anne Wangui Njoroge, UNV Training Assistant, IMTC, UNMIL 13

One Vision

Dep. Minister Youth & Sports, Mr. Sam Hare, NYVS Manager Isaac Bropleh & NYVS Grand Gedeh Supervisor Sophie Joe visit

Tamba’‛s pepper field

When John Enders Tamba signed up tothe National Youth Volunteer Service(NYVS) and took up assignment in GrandGedeh County, he found the space he hadcraved to launch himself intoentrepreneurship. A member of the 2009batch of National Youth Volunteers (NVs),John was assigned with the AmenuFarmers’‛ Cooperative in Zleh Town. Incollaboration with the cooperative, Johnmobilized residents of the community,including the youths, and encouraged themin intensive farming. Teaching themmodern planting and production methodsthat would allow them to increase theiryields.

John is a 2007/2008 Booker Washington Institute graduate who, with his agriculture background,had longed for a place to start a farm of his own, however, land is scarce in Monrovia, where hecomes from.

John was determined to fulfill the assignment that took him from Monrovia to Zleh Town, to thesatisfaction of the beneficiaries and supervisors of the program, before pursuing his desire to ownhis own farm. His dedication to his responsibilities endeared him to the people of the communityand thus he found it fairly easy to obtain, upon request, two acres of land to start his farm in thetown. A place he had come to love not only for its lush soil but also for the hospitality of itsinhabitants.

FundingUpon receiving permission to usethe land from the community, Johnwent on to save a good portion ofhis monthly volunteer’‛s livingallowance (VLA) for the venture.He used the money he had saved topurchase the necessary tools,including a 20-liter spraying can, awatering pump, a hose, cutlasses,shovels, hoes, seeds andinsecticides, and to pay for labor. Atotal of US$ 600.00 was used tostart his project.

Photograph by: N.M Paykue

Pesticide spray apparatus used by TambaPhotograph by: N.M Paykue 14

One Vision

Returns Now several months on, and covering 3.5 acres, John’‛s farm includes crops like hot pepper, cabbage,potatoes, peanuts, plantains, bitter ball, and water greens. The farm has been yielding him thefruits of his labor and increased his savings. Although the farm is still relatively small, it has givenJohn close to US$3,000 in income since the first harvest. With plans to expand his project, Johnexpects to reap more benefits in the near future. In the months ahead, he will be expanding thefarm to grow more crops and include livestock.

While aiming to boost his income, John is also using his farm as a source of financial and skillsempowerment for others, employing four youth as staff and apprentices. He pays his workersUS$30.00 and shares portions of the harvests with them; but most importantly, he trains them onthe job as a means of empowering them to establish their own farms in the near future. John hopesto one day, turn his project into a farmers’‛ school to train community farmers and interestedyouths in roots/ tuber, vegetable production, disease and pest management, and extension services.

Grateful to the National Youth Volunteer Service for setting him on what he described as, “ thepath of success”, John lauds the UNDP and the Ministry of Youth and Sports for establishing theprogram. “It’‛s a great opportunity for service to the country and its participants,” he said of theprogram, which serves as a catalyst for Liberian youth to participate in nation building, beginning atthe community level. John encourages and challenges other youths, who have yet to do so, toexplore the possibility of being a part of the NYVS experience. They will certainly find itrewarding.” As he climbs the ladder of success, John Enders Tamba seems on course and confirmsthat with determination, the hands can accomplish anything the heart desires.

Tamba shows off the fruits of his labour to Minister

Hare (right) and Mr. Bropleh. (Left)

Written by: N. Macaulay Paykue

Photograph by: N.M Paykue

15

One Vision

Alphonso Weah, Executive Director, Youthfor Community Academic andDevelopment Services (YOCADS) walksinto our office [UNV Office] at his usualclip, greeting staff as he makes his wayover to our sitting area. In tow at twoyoung people, Lovette Gotolo andMustapha S. Manobah, beneficiaries ofthe YOCADS’‛s ‘Kick for Your Future’‛Progamme initiated with funding fromSwiss INGO Cooperaxion.

L-R: AlphonsoWeah, Executive Director YOCADS, Lovette Gotolo and Mustapha S. Manobah

A dynamic young man Alphonso has been amember of YOCADS since its inception.Started in 2000 at the height of theconflict in Liberia, the YOCADS story isan interesting one and one that is similarto that of a number of youth led CBO andNGOs in Liberia. One of individualsacrifice and a dogged determination totranscend the stench of a conflict thatinterrupted their educational progress andthe development of their beloved Liberia.Alphonso recalls smiling, ”We started offdoing awareness programmes in theschools in Monrovia. We did coaching onself esteem, HIV/Aids defence, conflictresolution and peace building. When westarted in 2000 we had no funding at all.We would pool our personal money toensure that we could go carry out thework. You see we realized that unless wetook action in our own communities tochange mindsets and attitudes that wewould continue to be in conflict as apeople. We had to be the change.” In anow sober tone.

YOCADS continued to develop and serveits community through self-funding from2000-2007. By then Alphonso was nowExecutive Director, [he started off asDeputy Director], of an organisation whichwas expanding its programmes aroundMonrovia.

All along they were being observed by UNDP who waslooking for credible local partners for theimplementation of an awareness campaign on theMDGs. “We knew that they were aware of our workin schools and the communities so we were excitedwhen they came calling.” In 2007 UNDP askedYOCADs to develop MDG clubs in schools, a projectthat would be fully funded by UNDP. For the firsttime in its existence YOCADS’‛s members would nothave to pull money out of their own pockets toexecute a programme. They were ecstatic!

Photograph by : S-J Mungo

YOCADS when on to develop MDGs Clubs in fivecounties- Bomi, Montserrado, Margibi, Bong and CapeMount- in collaboration with UNDP. The primarypurpose of the initiative was to inspire citizens’‛primarily youth, to hold the government accountablefor promises made in 2000 related to the freeing ofmen, women and children from the dehumanisingconditions of extreme poverty and hunger. Theensuing YOCADS led ‘Stand Up and Take Action’‛(SUTA) MDGs awareness campaign propelled thegroup onto the national stage as they collaboratedwith other organisations to facilitate workshops,consultative meetings and other activities.

16

One Vision

That same year they received a call from Cooperaxion, an INGO whose primary area of focus wasthe development of youth through sport, vocational skills training and community ownership. Theyfound YOCADS through a Google search on the internet and contacted Alphonso regarding aprogramme they wanted to initiate in Liberia called Kick for Your Future. Alphonso submitted aproject proposal and YOCADS was one of two local organisations chosen to initiate the programme,the other was Combat Stress Liberia. After a visit from Cooperaxion in late 2007 to authenticatethe organisation and visit the host communities for the project Clara Town, Sonewein and Old Road,the project kicked off in early 2008 and is currently ongoing. The primary objectives of theproject, targeted at youth 16-24 years old, are to support young people’‛s entry into working life,promote community sports and national reconciliation and encourage responsibility for the social andnatural environment. Activities are concentrated around sport (soccer), physical waste collection,community based cultural activities and apprenticeship/ vocational skills training.

KFYF community clean-up initiative in Sonewein

Photograph courtesy: YOCADS

Mustapha and Lovette are beneficiaries of the programme and cannot sing their praises loudlyenough. ”YOCADS was the first NGO to do community work in Sonewein. I was drawn by theirmessage of youth empowerment, that youth take control of their destiny.” says a beaming Lovette.She was one of the first in her community to benefit from the programme she joined in 2008. Attwenty-one years old she is now a skilled tailor due to training received through Kick for YourFuture. She is also a member of the community cultural troupe and the much vaunted girls soccerteam, whose formation initially met with stiff opposition from the community. “We had to bringstakeholders in the community together because of political, social, religious and ethnic polarizationand overcame the opposition through dialogue. We educated the community, through demonstratedstudies that showed the benefits of sporting activities to young girls/women,” commented Alphonso.“I have seen how this programme has brought my community together.” Said Lovette.

17

One Vision

Mustapha initially started with Combat Stress Liberia in Clara Town in 2008 but moved to YOCADSwhen they took over the running of the programme in 2010. “My family is so proud of me,” he sayswith a smile, eyes shining with enthusiasm. “My participation in this programme has given me focus.I am a trained carpenter now and I am working towards having my own shop in the next few years. Ialso volunteer with Ministry of Public Works to assist with daily garbage collection in mycommunity.” Smiling broadly like a proud papa Alphonso chimes in saying, “Volunteerism plays asignificant role in contributing to the development process. Besides giving youth employable skills,it’‛s about ‘ownership’‛ of the development process through community action.” Mustapha feels that“Volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) should take the lead when it comes to youthempowerment. Especially in identifying and finding ways to close the skills gap and not rely on theGovernment of Liberia to do so on its own. I honestly do not know where I would be if I had not had

KFYF young women’‛s soccer programme, SoneweinPhotograph courtesy: YOCADS

18

One Vision

this opportunity to develop an employable skill.”Alphonso believes that skills development foryouth is an entry point for working life andagrees with Mustapha that INGOs, NGOs andCBOs should take the lead in identifying gapsand make suitable recommendations to GoL.

Lovette and Mustapha have both gone aroundtheir communities promoting Kick for YourFuture, speaking to youth one on one,encouraging them to become part of theprogramme, expounding its benefits and howthey personally have benefited. “I want to be arole model for the youth in my community tolook up to. A true volunteer.” says Lovette.Mustapha has seen how the programme hastransformed the youth of his community, andthe community, and remains committed to

volunteering for his community while pursuinghis educational and entrepreneurship goals.

Alphonso firmly believes that in fastest way forLiberia to meet her development agenda isthrough the development of her youth. Hequotes, “’‛The age of Methuselah has nothing todo with the knowledge Solomon has achieved.’‛Meaning that once the youth of this country aregiven opportunities of substance, they willachieve great things.”

YOCADS is proud of what they have been ableto accomplish in the last ten years andcontinues to execute youth centred programmesthat build capacity. The latest initiative is aseries of workshops to give basic training toindividuals wishing to start their own businesses.

KFYF Community cultural event in Clara TownPhotograph courtesy: YOCADS

Written by: S-J Mungo, AIC Specialist, UNV Field Unit, Liberia 19

One Vision

I am Gwendolyn S. Myers, a promising young Liberian20 years of age, born September 12, 1990. I live withmy parents Mr. & Mrs. G. Matthew Myers at Caldwell,Dixville Road, Montserrado County, Liberia. I am agraduate of the St. Teresa’‛s Convent Catholic School(2005-2006), Randall Street, Monrovia-Liberia and Iam presentlya senior at Mother Patern College ofHealth Sciences/ Stella Maris Polytechnic, readingBiology (major) and Chemistry (minor). I am also theExecutive Director for the pro-peace, non-governmental and non-political organization calledMessengers of Peace, Liberia (MOP). An organizationthat originated from UNMIL’‛s Public Information-Community Outreach Unit, through the work of a groupof innovative, assiduous and hardworking students fromvarious universities on September 17, 2008.

The primary purpose of MOP is to assist in theconsolidation of peace through dialogue andreconciliation by spreading positive messages of peaceand development. I also work as an announcer/producerat the Catholic run radio station in Liberia, RadioVeritas FM 97.8 at the Catholic Media Center of theCatholic Archdiocese of Monrovia (CAMCAM), AshmunStreet, Monrovia, Liberia.

As a young lady growing up, it was very good to be seenas a volunteer. I enjoy rendering my services and timetowards the growth of humanity. With and through thecontinuous motivation I received from my parents whoexplained the significance of volunteerism, coupledwith self determination, I started volunteering myservices and time at the age of thirteen when I servedas one of the presenters of the well known children’‛snews and educational program ‘The Golden Kids News’‛and the children’‛s drama ‘JUJAY’‛ produced by theTalking Drum Studios/ Search For Common GroundLiberia. The programme talked about issues affectingand benefiting the lives of young people in Liberia. Ivolunteered my services and time to this program forfour very rewarding years and I really enjoyed it to themax.

Gwendolyn at Radio Veritas

Gwendolyn Meyers, Executive Director, Messengers of Peace Liberia

20

One Vision

This was just the beginning of my journey as a young volunteer. After four years of dedicatedservices as a volunteer at the Talking Drum Studio, I moved on to the Catholic run radio inLiberia, Radio Veritas FM 97.8 , Monrovia, Liberia, where I served as a announcer/producer,volunteering again my services and time for three years. Focused and determined, I dedicated mytime and services to this institution, knowing that indeed volunteerism pays off as it’‛s all aboutcapacity building and developing employable skills. I am now fully employed at Radio Veritas FM97.8 as an announcer/producer, and today can measure up to the other men and women in theprofession because of my outstanding performance all these years as a volunteer. Volunteerismstrengthened/built up my capacity immensely.

I am now one of the focal persons on the Liberia Volunteers Coordination Committee forDevelopment(LVCC4D) a national steering committee set-up to ensure that volunteer involvingorganizations (VIOs) collaborate, when and where possible, to push the national developmentagenda. Facilitated by the Government of Liberia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports, partof the mandate of the LVCC4D is an effort to strengthen youth volunteerism as a strategicresource to achieve development effectiveness. The Committee will also hold a number ofactivities to commemorate the 10th anniversary for the United Nations International Year ofVolunteers (IYV+100).

I have this to share with my fellow youth…….Wow!!!!! With all these years of dedicated serviceas a young volunteer, I still see volunteerism aspart and parcel of my day to day activities. Ienjoy being a volunteer. Volunteerism indeed paysoff! It is about building your capacity as youth aswell as it helps you to develop employable skills.

Volunteer……………Volunteerism opened doors forme and it will for you too.

This is my story.

L: Gwendolyn presenting at the Regional IYV+10Consultation Meeting in Dakar, Senegal on behalf of theLVCC4D, June 2011.Photograph: by Philip Sen

Written by: Gwendolyn S. Myers, E. D.-Messengers of Peace Liberia (MOP)Communications Focal Person, LVCC4D 21

One Vision

There is a very high rate of illiteracy in Liberia especially in rural communities. This situation isworse in the southeastern counties (Sinoe, Maryland, Grand Gedeh) due to inaccessibility causedby a bad road network and the lack of qualified teachers to teach both school age children and thelarge adult population that are illiterate.

In recognition of this situation, and as a means of supporting the Government of Liberia’‛s (GOL)development agenda – “The Poverty Reduction Strategy (PRS)”, the National Youth VolunteerService (NYVS) selected Sinoe County to benefit from the services of the National Volunteers(NVs).

The NVs, with minimum resources, mobilized community members to send their children to theGovernment’‛s free and compulsory primary schools. This led to an increase in the enrollment ofpupils in the various public elementary schools where NVs were assigned. The NVs worked to givestudents a positive attitude towards learning and served as mentors for other teachers in theirassigned schools. The NVs also conducted vacation schools to keep the pupils positively engagedduring regular school breaks.

The NVs later initiated an adult literacyprogramme in the communities where theywere assigned. NVs Peter Paye and IshmaelY. Sonnies, with the assistance of two of thecommunity volunteers, conducted Thelargest of the programme in Barnah WortehTowhship, Lower Kpanyan District, SinoeCounty. The idea of the adult literacyprogramme was raised by the two NVs at acommunity meeting and was accepted withexcitement by the community members.

Two weeks after the meeting, the adultliteracy programme started and continuedfor five months (August- December 2010)with an enrollment of 35 students betweenthe ages of 16 to 60 years. One majorchallenge was the lack of

The final evaluation and assessment of the adult literacy programme indicated that 21 adults (18females and 3 males) could write their names and read two and three letter words for the first time intheir lives. The other 14 students improved on their literacy skills. Members of the community werevery appreciative of the initiative and called for another phase of the programme.

illumination as the classes were conducted from 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm. TheNYVS programme provided fluorescent light and supplied dried cell batteries on a weekly basis andthe community also assisted with batteries.

Students of the Adult Literacy Class listen to the teacher

22

One VisionWritten by: Osman Benk Sankoh,

Liberia, just as Ivory Coast’s capital, Abidjan was referred to as ‘Petit Paris,’ so was this country, theland of sweet liberty considered to be ‘Little America.’ It has seen the good and the worst of times, butonce the guns went silent and the child soldiers realized it was no good to continue snuffing lives out ofhumans, both locals as well as foreigners, people were always in a hurry to pack their bags and return.

The land is welcoming. It attracts, and repels every idea not to return. Sometimes, I even wondered,considering the number of people that I had known, who had always made a second coming, if this land isnot an aphrodisiac. First, it was ECOMOG soldiers who, even after their mission was accomplished in thelate 90s dared ventured back and settled on the very streets where they had targeted rebels. Now thatthe UN Mission is currently here, most people have left but even before you know it, they are back, forone reason or another. Looking back, when on July 12, 2004,I boarded an almost broken Weasuapropeller aircraft from Lungi Airport, Sierra Leone to Roberts International Airport ( RIA) on a veryrainy day, I never thought this was one place where I was going to stay this long . From then, untotoday, I had spent seven years of unbroken stay in Liberia.

PIO (Former), UNMIL

Today, even as I pack my bags to take a break, it is with a feeling of nostalgia. I have made friends inthis country, I have been exposed to a whole lot of experiences that I never thought I was going tohave and I have also had the opportunity of putting to test both my leadership and administrativeskills other than my journalism know how. And the result? Well this is for those I have worked withover the years to say but like the proverbial Agama lizard who could jump from the high Iroko tree andpraises itself if no one does, then I will definitely thump my back that at least I have a seasonedoutlook on global peace, security, humanitarian and even recovery issues.

As I take a break to return to Freetown, Sierra Leone, people keep asking me ‘Where are you headingto? Is it to another Mission?’‛ Will you come back to Liberia? My answer is simple, for those inpeacekeeping; Liberia is definitely one place on everyone’‛s list of places to return to. I am off toFreetown, I am going home but Liberia is home too and like one Liberian once said, “God willing, I will beback.” I hope to be back in Liberia someday. For this, I won’‛t say goodbye but, ‘Till we meet again,later.’‛

Osman (right) with fellowUNV Wasiq Ghufranuddin, ofAfghanistan at a farewellfunction held by UNVSupport Office in June 2011to honour UNVs leavingUNMIL.Photograph by: S-J Mungo

23

Volume 2, Issue 201 July 2011

One VisionPublished by:

UNV Field Office, Liberiaunmilunvsupportoffice@un.org

Design & GraphicsMHJ Sarah

mungo@un.org

One Vision

Edited by:Sarah-Jane MungoSuzanne WalkerRukshan RatnamSoulaiman MomoduJulie Agum

IBRAHIM Nurhussien

TahaGEBREYOHANNES Alazar TsegayKWON Goo SoonABDULLAH Abdullah

DE JESUS

MARTINSJanuario

EHSANI Ghulam SakhiTHOMAS MelvinaDA SILVA Ana TeresaGURUNG ShankerMUKASA Moses MAYOYO

BITUMBATipo Tipo

ORTIZO LowelBOURBEAU HeatherKIHUGA SusanSANKOH Osman BenkOPOKU-

AGYAKWASamuel

RUIZ Ryan Jose IIITEWELDE HabteMariamWASIQ Ghufranuddin

ISINGOMA EdwardMOHAMED SaharNDEGWA Charity WanjikuNJUGUNA Francis MuturiDANIELS Chanell L.PAGKALIWANGAN LailaSESAY Ali BadaraKOROMA BinnehRAMAN Jyoti LatchmiWASHINGTON Zenatta SharonYEBOAH PriscillaWARDI DedyPANTHI Umesh KumarRUPASINGHE PramudithREHMAN Najib UrATAUL OsmaniBAH WurieKALMBACH MarcMWANGI Dishon Thiong'oTENYI RobertTARGA BeatriceSHRESTHA JeenaMALL OmarCHIKONO AlbertDIARRA Nouhoun yedidyaSESAY Mohammed

KanjaCROIZAT Jessica S. MOMODU Sulaiman T. M. BOHAM Nana Esi Yvonne

EPIE AloysSHRESTHA Tara PrasadNASSAKA ProssiePARIYAR TanujaKOZUKA ChiyukiWALKER SuzanneKASAMI IsikeliTAKUI GeorgesSILA Rolin BlaiseKANAMUGIRE TheophileNSENGIYUMVA GregoireAKPO DjeriNDIHOKUBWAYO Anne-marieKAZERUKE EtoileMICLO Aurelie Jeanne

MarieKUNZE MartinSEIDU JohnMEGERSA MosisaCHINHO NormaGEORGE AboudSRONVIE YaoHERNANDEZ LiaGUEYE Cheikh

MaroubaZULU SteedyONEKALIT CarolineMONDIGO RemediosKIM Mi KyongCHOI Seonghee