Capturing the stories of those overcoming adversity in Haiti
Borja Lopetegui Gonzalez (Spain) serves as a UN Volunteer Communications Specialist with the UN Development Programme (UNDP) in Haiti. He shares how his upbringing, combined with his vocation for social communications, pushed him to impact people’s lives in Haiti. His assignment is fully funded by the Government of Spain.
Growing up in the Basque Country, a region where terrorism has existed and posed a threat to my family’s wellbeing, I developed tolerance, observation and listening abilities that have proven extremely helpful while volunteering in Haiti.
I remember when the UNV recruiter insisted on warning me about Haiti’s unpredictable security situation and saying I would probably work in difficult living conditions. My response was clear: "I am not scared of anything. There is no country in the world I wouldn’t go to in order to help the UN with its mission."