STORIES FROM THE FIELD
Dorina Sedoeboen
International UNV Specialist – UNHCR
For my work as an UNV for UNHCR I am a part of a comprehensive strategy of looking for durable solutions for the remaining former East-Timorese refugee families. UNHCR assists the GoRI to pursue solutions for the remaining refugees in West-Timor through financial and technical support.
I work in close contact with governmental officials in the province and district, UN-agencies, implementing partners but also meeting former refugee - and host communities.
As a field officer for UNHCR I monitor the Local Settlement Activities, Community Development Projects as well as delivery and distribution of housing materials, livelihoodpackage in the NTT (Nusa Tenggara Timor) province and the socialization process. Informing former refugees in West-Timor is putting out options for them to make an informed decision regarding their future in Indonesia or in East-Timor.
In reality being a UNV is more than what the project description requires. It is the personal touch that will make the difference in your work.
Your presence will provoke the Host community to ask questions especially when you're not a national. Explaining your background as an UNV is difficult for them to understand because of the different meaning of the word volunteer in Indonesia. Explaining you're a UNV does not work by it self. It is only through explanation and showing you're commitment to be a part of a positive change that might create an awareness of people working for other people.
It can be one of the steps a community needs to take an active part in a positive change. People need encouragement and motivation!
It's like throwing one stone in a still pond it will make a small circle and each circle will make another circle much bigger than the one before.
Dorina Sedoeboen
November 2003
Ms. Dorian Sedoeboen is from the Netherlands.
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