The Mafoni community in Maiduguri, Borno State in North-East Nigeria, is among the communities most affected by the large-scale displacements due to the conflict in the region. This community has suffered from the insurgency, with many having lost loved ones and seen most of their livelihood assets destroyed. It is a community where internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are seeking protection and residence are living with or among the host community.
Despite the situation, Falmata Haruna Bwala did not hesitate to seize the opportunity offered by UNV to serve as a UN Community Volunteer on a UNDP project with funding support from the European Union Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid (ECHO). She serves as a Village Supervisor in a region with many displaced and distressed communities, including the Mafoni community.
Falmata says that she has been inspired by one of Mahatma Gandhi’s quotes: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”.