Meet Volana Rarivoson, a WFP Communications Assistant in Her Home Country of Madagascar
For International Girls in ICT Day, meet Volana Rarivoson: a communications assistant for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Madagascar. For the last 15 years, Volana has written news releases and communications reports and has interviewed U.N. World Food Programme beneficiaries.
Who Has Inspired You Most in Your Life?
My mother was an inspiring woman for my sisters and myself. She was part of the generation of young Madagascans in the 1960’s who ended their studies outside the country, which at that time was a privilege. To me, she symbolized professional success. However, I did not choose to work in public administration as she did. Instead, I charted my own path by studying communications at the University of Antananarivo in Madagascar.
Volana at a U.N. World Food Programme-supported reforestation project in the Brickaville district of eastern Madagascar.
What Is the Best Decision You Have Ever Made?
The best decision I have ever made was to apply for my current position 15 years ago. It is incredible how the U.N. World Food Programme has evolved over the years, not only in terms of staff and beneficiaries reached, but also in terms of operations and innovative solutions. I’ve been fortunate to witness this evolution.
Volana interviewed a farmer participating in a Food for Assets program, supported by the U.N. World Food Programme in the village of Maromby, eastern Madagascar.
Where in the World Would You Most Like to Live?
In my own country, Madagascar. There are still a lot of places on the Big Island that I still don’t know and that I would like to explore, such as the north and the east, or even the southern regions where the U.N. World Food Programme mainly works. There is such a variety of different cultures and scenic landscapes in Madagascar, which I find amazing. Otherwise, South Africa is my next choice. I find the country fascinating and it is not far from Madagascar!
For the last 15 years, Volana has served as a communications assistant for the U.N. World Food Programme in Madagascar.
Why Do You Do the Work You Do?
When I think of unemployed people, especially those who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19, I consider myself fortunate to still have my job. It must be tough, not only financially but also as a human, to be unemployed.
Working in U.N. World Food Programme communications is an amazing adventure. I get to show the U.N. World Food Programme’s work to the world. There’s an opportunity to create, to learn and to meet experienced, talented people who are there to support you. My professional life is far from routine.
This blog contains excerpts from the original story which appeared on WFP’s Stories on January 19, 2022 and was written by Alice Rahmoun.
