Laye Sékou Camara: Leading to make an impact
“My experience at the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) has taught me that an individual's true value lies in their skills, talent, and ability to contribute significantly to make impact,” says Laye Sékou Camara, UN Volunteer Programme Assistant with UNV in Guinea.
Laye has a disability is his left forearm due to an accident at birth where the radial nerve became inert. This causes difficulties in grip, coordination between the arms, resulting in making simple tasks difficult.
In his volunteer assignment, Laye supported the management of national and international volunteers. He assisted UNV in recruiting and managing contracts.
He was responsible for conducting interviews, administrative follow-ups, and logistical preparation for the arrivals and departures of volunteers. Once volunteers were recruited, Laye welcomed them onsite and provided the necessary information about their host agencies and UNV in Guinea.
For Laye, Nelson Mandela’s quote, "Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world” – illustrates the idea that individuals must continue to promote an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive professionally, regardless of their disability.
Laye helped mobilize 23 UN Community Volunteers, 14 with UNICEF in the five communes of Conakry for the prevention of violence during the 2019 elections, and rest of the 9 UN Community Volunteers with UN-Habitat in the fight against COVID-19.
“I always told myself that only my individual skills could compensate for my physical disability to excel in my work and to play my part in building a better world,” shared Laye. “My time at UNV remains one of my most significant experiences. During this beautiful and rich professional assignment, I contributed to several projects, a feat I am so proud of,” said Laye.
Together with UNV, Integra/PNUD, and the National Youth Volunteer Agency of Guinea, Laye got an opportunity to train over 100 youth leaders in the cities of Coyah, Kindia, and Mamou on leadership and eco-citizenship.
Following his volunteer assignment, Laye joined the World Health Organization (WHO) as an Administrative Assistant.
This article was produced with the kind support of Online Volunteer Antoinette Gyan. Find out more on how to volunteer online or engage Online Volunteers.
