In a world filled with environmental challenges, one dedicated volunteer steps up to make a difference. Meet Liudmyla Odud, a Ukrainian UN Volunteer Environmental Engineer with nine years of experience in water and sanitation. With a passion and motivation to assist vulnerable communities, Liudmyla has been serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for two years. She has taken on the responsibility of managing water, wastewater and solid waste in mission camps across Equatoria and Jonglei States.
With a wealth of knowledge and skills, Liudmyla always felt a calling to serve in places where help was most needed. Through her assignment, she strives to reduce waste and prevent the harmful effects of open waste burning, which causes air pollution and jeopardizes public health in Central, Eastern, Western Equatoria and Jonglei States.
Although I am not directly engaged with local communities, my focus on water and waste management in mission camps ensures the protection of both the environment and the well-being of those nearby. --Liudmyla Odud, UN Volunteer Environmental Engineer at UNMISS, South Sudan
As a volunteer environmental engineer, Liudmyla is committed to supporting the proper collection and treatment of wastewater. She ensures that the facilities are in good condition and adequate in number.
Additionally, Liudmyla focuses on segregating solid waste and providing the necessary equipment. Her efforts aim to minimize waste output from the mission camps, mitigating environmental impact and protecting the health of camp residents and surrounding communities. In total, there are four environmental engineers working tirelessly across all the camps in the country.
Through assessments of wastewater facilities and the provision of treatment plants, as well as equipping areas with solid waste management tools, Liudmyla has significantly improved the environmental conditions on-site. Her contribution has prevented health risks, and resulted in a significant reduction in contamination and the spread of waterborne diseases.
Liudmyla’s volunteering journey to environmental transformation is testimony to the value that UN Volunteers bring, when they put their knowledge and skills to use for the betterment of humanity. The challenges they face, including the barriers posed by cultural differences, serve as opportunities for growth and learning. Their stories inspire others to be more compassionate and adaptable.
Being a volunteer gives me the opportunity to use my abilities to help people who are living in difficult environmental conditions. This also brings more purpose to my life, not only as a professional, but also as a human. I believe that it is through our collective efforts and individual acts of kindness that we can create a sustainable future for all. --Liudmyla Odud