From Somalia to Myanmar: A Journey of Service and Shared Purpose
When I joined the MSB -Swedish Civil Contingency’s Agency (now MCF - Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency) standby roster, I didn’t know exactly where the journey would take me, but I knew it would be meaningful.
My first deployment brought me to Haiti, where I supported the establishment of a new WFP humanitarian hub in Miragoâne. It was a short, intense three month mission, but it gave me a first real glimpse into how much coordinated, timely support can strengthen field operations at critical moments.
On-site review with partners in Mandalay Region during a WASH field visit.
After several months, my second deployment took me to Somalia—an environment where each day is marked by complexity, determination, and hope. I worked with the UNICEF WASH team across several areas, including climate resilient project design, feasibility studies for future investments, and information management. One moment from Somalia remains particularly memorable.
Stepping Into Complexity: Deployment to Somalia
During an informal conversation, a field WASH officer asked if I could review some design documents submitted by one of the regional Ministries of Water and Energy. What began as a quick favour quickly evolved into a full technical audit. I proposed a more efficient, solar powered water system that would connect and serve multiple communities, rather than installing three smaller, separate schemes.
Initially, the idea felt unconventional—these communities had never shared a system before. But with strong leadership from the Ministry and several rounds of community dialogues, the benefits became clear: shared costs, greater reliability, reduced dependence on diesel generators, and room for future expansion, even for small scale agriculture. Today, that system is under implementation, and I remain deeply proud of what we achieved collaboratively.
Somalia also reminded me of the importance of adaptability. Movement was often restricted for safety reasons, yet the work continued. Through third party monitors equipped with remote monitoring tools, we could still track progress and maintain accountability despite the limited access. Collaboration and creativity kept everything moving forward.
A New Chapter: Supporting UNICEF Myanmar
As that assignment came to a close, I received a new request—from UNICEF Myanmar—to support the earthquake recovery programme. I still smile when I think of how long it took me to pronounce “Nay Pyi Taw,” before I eventually settled on simply saying “NPT.” While waiting for the visa, I worked from the UNICEF Regional Office in Bangkok, joining team meetings virtually until I could travel.
When I finally arrived in Yangon, the welcome from the UNICEF teams in both Yangon and NPT was immediate and warm. Since then, I have visited more than a dozen reconstruction sites across Mandalay Region, meeting community members and working closely with implementing partners and contractors. Their commitment to restoring climate resilient WASH systems—stronger than before—is truly inspiring.
Myanmar has also offered unforgettable experiences beyond work: exploring ancient pagodas in Bagan that have stood for nearly a thousand years, tasting fresh organic local cuisine, and sharing light, joyful moments with colleagues who have become like family. As one of the few Africans in many settings, I am often met with friendly curiosity, and even simple greetings in the local language spark warm conversations and new friendships.
Why Standby Support Matters
The WASH team here is exceptionally committed, though reduced funding has stretched staffing capacity. This is where MCF’s standby support has been so vital. The partnership has enabled UNICEF to maintain continuity in critical areas, and the office has already requested an extension of my deployment to support the rollout of the implementation of Social Environmental Safeguards.
Across Haiti, Somalia, and Myanmar, one lesson remains clear to me: resilience is not something we admire from a distance—it is something lived every day by the people we serve. And when local leadership, technical expertise, and strong partnerships like the one between UNICEF and MCF come together, we can build solutions that truly endure.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this shared mission for children and communities. It has truly been an honour.
By: Andrew Ndungu – WASH in Emergencies Specialist (UNICEF supported by MCF)