When the Jajarkot earthquake of 6.4 magnitude struck on 03 November 2023, Arjun Basnet, a dedicated UN Volunteer (UNV) serving as the Supply Chain and Logistics Officer at UNFPA Nepal, found himself at the forefront of a critical mission. As tremors shook the region, disrupting transportation networks and damaging infrastructure, Basnet knew that he had to act swiftly to ensure that women and adolescents in affected areas continued to have access to critical sexual and reproductive health supplies, and immediate health and sanitary products.
“Less than 48 hours after the earthquake struck, I was immediately deployed to one of UNFPA’s warehouses in Nepalgunj which stores prepositioned dignity and kishori kits, and other life saving medical supplies. So I knew I had to act fast! I quickly coordinated with the relevant transport services, government officials and our local partners to ensure that all affected girls and women get these essential supplies on time,” says Arjun.
Arjun joined UNFPA Nepal in October 2021, driven by a passion to contribute to the United Nations' mission of improving lives. His expertise in supply chain management and logistics has proved invaluable in the aftermath of this earthquake. Arjun’s commitment ensured that women in Jajarkot continued to have access to sexual and reproductive health supplies during the crisis.
“I always wanted to work with the United Nations,” says Arjun, “and I am thankful to UN Volunteers for opening a door for me to realise my dream. My 9-year-old son is very proud of what I do, and so am I.”
Yeojin Kwon, a South Korean UN Volunteer with UNFPA Nepal, finds herself immersed in a vibrant tapestry of Nepali culture and engagement with the nation's youth. Her experience as a Programme Analyst for Youth/Adolescent Development has been nothing short of remarkable, filled with personal growth, cultural immersion, and the gratification of making a tangible difference in the lives of Nepali girls and boys.
Yeojin finds fulfillment in her direct interactions with Nepali youth, where she engages in conversations that extend beyond work. Her association with UNFPA and UNV has been nothing short of splendid. She wholeheartedly embraces UNFPA's mandate of improving the lives of women and girls, recognizing the profound impact the organization has on communities around the world. Were she given the opportunity to relive her UNV experience, she would wholeheartedly accept, eager to continue her journey of personal and professional growth.
“I love being part of UNFPA and UNV. I love the UNFPA’s mandate that we are working for and if it wasn’t for UNV, I would not have gotten a chance to work in such a vibrant environment with talented colleagues in Nepal,” Yeojin says.
Yeojin's time in Nepal has been enriched by the opportunity to learn the local language, picking up a few Nepali words that have become integral to her daily interactions. She has also embraced the vibrant Nepali festivals, celebrating Holi, Dashain, and Tihar alongside her colleagues and friends. These experiences have deepened her understanding of Nepali culture and heritage, fostering a sense of connection to the country and its people.
Yeojin and Arjun’s stories exemplify the transformative power of the UNV experience, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together to make a meaningful contribution to global development - true inspiration in action!. Through their fulfilling work and commitment to UNFPA's mission, they embody the spirit of UNV – a spirit of service, collaboration, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of collective action: if everyone did their part, to make a positive impact on the world.
