4 December 2024 - International Volunteer Day, celebrated annually on 5 December, recognizes the contribution of UN volunteers who play a vital role in supporting development, peace, and humanitarian efforts worldwide. Their work is crucial to OCHA's efforts to help protect people during emergencies and ensure that they can access essential services. To honor their dedication and commitment to OCHA's mandate, we will share the stories of some of our outstanding UNVs who every day, across the globe, demonstrate incredible bravery and professionalism.
This week, meet OCHA Cameroon’s Geraldine, Apongpoh, Marie Michelle and Debora, four brave women who decided to put their skills and drive at the service of their country.
Geraldine Njumbe
The humanitarian situation in Cameroon is complex, and as such, it has left so many people suffering. This was for me the main motivation to become a humanitarian. I wanted to be able to help, to join the UN’s efforts on the ground, and to put my skills to the service of my country. Being a humanitarian means seeing hope in the eyes of the people we serve and giving them a chance to get back on their feet amid the hardship.
The work is hard, but I try to always remind myself why I do what I do. And if I feel overwhelmed, I make it a point to reach out to my friends and my mentors, and when needed, take a break, as I know that to be able to help others, I have to take care of myself first.
Apongpoh Gladys
My decision to join OCHA was driven by a strong desire to make an impact in the lives of the people affected by the crisis in the NWSW regions of Cameroon, where I live. Being able to give people help but especially dignity, and establishing strong connections with the communities we serve, regardless of their diversity, making sure that truly no one is left behind, is my biggest motivation.
And during difficult times, I remind myself that every effort counts, that every effort can lead to significant changes in people’s lives, so even if the job as a UNV can be both physically and emotionally tolling, I remember Sun Tzu’s words: In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity. For me, the act of helping others will always overshadow the hardships I have.
Marie Michelle Onana
Witnessing the devastating impact of sexual harassment on one of my family members made me see firsthand what ignorance and stigma can do to a survivor. This is why in my work I have decided to actively engage in the fight against sexual violence and to defend and advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable. By helping others, I feel I am paying tribute to the survivor in my family but also contributing to a world where every individual is valued and respected.
Humanitarian work, although very demanding, allows me to get out of my comfort zone, to challenge myself, to develop new skills and above all, to forge strong relations with people from all walks of life. This is for me the most fulfilling part of my job.
I make it a point to celebrate and recognize every success, no matter how small, as a victory against injustice, as my way to keep moving the lines.
Debora Ntonmi
My decision to become a humanitarian goes back to when I was a student. I had a teacher who worked for the United Nations. He would share his experiences serving in difficult parts of the world. When I graduated, I had the choice between staying in the academic world or serving as a humanitarian, and without hesitation, inspired by the exciting and moving stories that my professor had shared, I decided to take this path and finally, be close to people affected by crises and disasters. This meant relating to their suffering but also being able to contribute to improving their living conditions.
I find it very rewarding to be able to continuously learn from my managers, to push myself and discover a resilience I didn’t know I had, and above all, to be able to interact with, and learn from the communities we serve, and that always gives me the strength I need to keep going.