Building Bridges, Transforming Lives:
A Day in the Life of Elijah, UN Volunteer with UNICEF in Liberia
Elijah, a father himself, shares that he loves to spend time with children © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
In Liberia, Elijah Varney Sesay, 35, serves as a tireless advocate for his community. As a United Nations Volunteer (UNV) working
with UNICEF Liberia, he embodies dedication, compassion, and transformative action. Elijah’s role involves community engagement, promoting health and education, and raising awareness about critical issues.
“My job is to save lives and guide the well-being of my community,”
Elijah explains passionately. For the past three years, Elijah has been deeply involved in initiatives that support peacebuilding, education, health, and child protection. His days often begin with visits to schools, where he collaborates with teachers and administrators to ensure children understand and adhere to their school handbooks. “We want children to take their lessons seriously, to become better individuals tomorrow,” he says. His efforts extend beyond the classroom, addressing issues such as sexual and gender-based violence. Elijah adds:
“We create awareness to protect our students, especially girls, from any form of abuse.”
Elijah talks to authorities during a meeting in Liberia © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Advocating for Health and Nutrition
A significant part of Elijah’s work revolves around health advocacy. He supervises vaccination efforts, ensuring vaccines are properly stored and administered. “When I visit a health facility, I monitor the usage of vaccines to prevent spoilage. Raising awareness about exclusive breastfeeding and proper child nutrition is another vital task,” he shares. Elijah encourages mothers to breastfeed exclusively for six months and seek professional advice before introducing new foods to their infants. “The health of children is our priority,” he emphasises.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Elijah played a crucial role in boosting vaccination rates in his county. His efforts helped achieve a 75% vaccination rate, significantly reducing cases. “Seeing my community respond positively to these initiatives is incredibly rewarding,” he remarks.
Elijah talks to a mother about vaccination © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
“These projects are critical for the safety and health of our children.”
Empowering Communities Through WASH Projects
Elijah also oversees UNICEF-sponsored Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) projects, ensuring schools and communities have access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities. “These projects are critical for the safety and health of our children,” he explains. However, challenges persist, such as maintaining damaged infrastructure. “We’re working with partners to rehabilitate facilities before the school year begins,” Elijah assures.
Raising awareness about sanitation in Medina Public School © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Championing Child Protection
Child protection lies at the heart of Elijah’s mission. He collaborates with social workers and local leaders to address cases of abuse and neglect. “Our child protection specialist, Miss Pauline, has been instrumental in responding to these cases,” Elijah says, expressing gratitude for her support. He also leads awareness campaigns against corporal punishment and harmful traditional practices, advocating for laws that safeguard children’s rights.
Elijah and Pauline work together closely to help their community © Unicef/Vincent Tremeau/Studio Humanity
Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Successes
Elijah reflects on the challenges he faces, such as limited resources and infrastructure. Yet, his achievements fuel his determination. “Two months ago, I helped students reach their final exam centre after their vehicle broke down. Seeing their gratitude was a moment of pride for me,” he recounts.
As a UNV, Elijah’s role extends beyond project implementation; he is a role model and a bridge between his community and UNICEF. He asserts:
“I represent the values of the United Nations and the aspirations of my community. Everything I do reflects our shared commitment to a better future.”
A Vision for Tomorrow
Elijah dreams of a future where every child in Liberia has access to education, healthcare, and opportunities to thrive. He urges continued support for UNV initiatives and acknowledges the impact of UNICEF’s contributions. “This opportunity has changed my life and the lives of so many in my community,” he says. His message to the next generation of volunteers is clear: “Engage, inspire, and transform lives. Together, we can create lasting change.”
Through his work, Elijah exemplifies the profound impact of United Nations Volunteers. His story is a proof to the power of collaboration and the unwavering spirit of individuals dedicated to building a brighter future for all.
