Chenjerai Louis Bandawe: Doing good for others
Chenjerai Louis Bandawe, UN Volunteer Disability Inclusion Coordination Officer serves with the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) in Zimbabwe. I believe in – “Doing good for others”. Volunteering with the United Nations has empowered me to engage with the networks of persons with disabilities. These are my reflections.
In my volunteer assignment, I support empowerment initiatives for women and girls with disabilities to advocate for their rights. I contribute to concept notes, project reports and strengthening partnerships with other UN agencies. I also assist in fundraising activities.
Previously, I volunteered with UNAIDS in Zimbabwe, where I worked with adolescent girls, youth and women, including persons with disabilities, to monitor the state of HIV and tuberculosis prevention. I cherished the experience collaborating with diverse groups such as LGBTIQ, sex workers, women and faith networks, and persons with disabilities.
I have a physical disability that results in mobility challenges and as such, I benefited from flexible working arrangements.
My volunteering experience taught me empathy, compassion, teamwork and the importance of good communication. Engaging in community service brought out qualities in me that I never knew existed.
I cherish volunteering in the UN system. I feel my time working at UNAIDS and now at UNRCO is nothing short of memorable. As advice to others contemplating this route, I just want to say that this opportunity has a positive impact on the volunteers’ quality of life.
Not all disabilities are visible. Therefore it is so important to focus on raising awareness and understanding of both visible and invisible disabilities like psychosocial disabilities, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing disabilities, among others.
This article was produced with the kind support of Vibhu Sharma, UN Volunteer Communications Specialist for Disability Inclusion. For more information on volunteering opportunities, please click on how to become a volunteer.
