TheJourneyVolume1 - Book - Page 94
#NextGenUNDP
in the wildlife component of the Trust’s work – but he
sent me to see a manager within the Trust. Again, I made
my case to him, and to my great delight, he offered me an
opportunity. But it was not in the wildlife sector. It was a
job to work as an unpaid volunteer, at a tea pilot project
some 600 km from the capital, Harare. If I was to take
the opportunity, the trust was not going to offer a stipend
but would provide transport and accommodation. I had a
day to think about it.
That afternoon, I broke the news to my girlfriend. We
had just met. The idea of being separated so early in our
relationship was hard. She cried and I was heartbroken.
But I had a choice to make.
A week later, I was on my way to Rusitu Valley, some
600 km from Harare, 600 km from the love of my life,
600 km from anyone I knew! I would later spend 12
months there with no communication. But in that time,
I contributed to what became a strong Contract Farming
Scheme for over 3,000 farmers. Today, that young man
who walked into the offices of Zimbabwe Trust many
years ago is the Resident Representative of UNDP
Rwanda and a father of three kids.
Three lessons that I learnt from this experience, which
I now believe can help advance societies and the world
we live in today are: take a chance on young people; be
curious about the world around you and be innovative.
STRENGTH AGAINST ALL ODDS
Another defining moment in my life came with the loss
of my father. Things did not fall into place, as much as
they became clearer. I was young. I had to quickly mature
and take responsibility, and I did not have much wealth
to fall back on. My father did however, leave a network of
To build back better, we
will need to tell the UNDP and
development story better.
Often, these stories get hidden in
complex narratives and are
difficult to access.”
94
individuals and family who stepped in to help me when I
most needed it. I had lost both my parents at a young age.
Three of my direct siblings were to follow. When I look
back, their lives could have been spared and they might
still be with us if only our health systems were better; if
only our governance systems were effective; and if only we
were kinder human beings. My father’s death could have
been prevented or delayed had he had access to the drugs
he needed. Despite the setbacks, the kindness of friends
and family kept me going and helped me stay focused on
what is important, and on being a better person.
At the time, I had just left college and needed to take
responsibility for a bigger family. I grew a few centimetres
taller, in that moment, finding myself as a brother, dad, son,
friend, child, and everything else that a grown-up is. What
kept me going was the belief that we can be better, and that
I can make a useful contribution towards that goal.
MY NEW REALITY
My time at UNDP began after the UN development
system reform, so my new reality seemed to be the norm.
I must say, however, that I have been fortunate to find
an effective country team and a very collegiate Resident
Coordinator. The RC, while reflecting with me on the
challenges that lay ahead, spoke of the successes of my
predecessor, and how difficult it would be to step into
his shoes. “Stephen had a great career and achieved a lot
but, in my country, we always say, ‘Every rabbit digs its
own hole.’” Ever since that conversation, I have sought to
write my own story.
The most crucial part of being a Resident Representative is finding the sweet spot of cooperation. As RR, we
cannot be afraid of giving constructive criticism or being
that friend who respectfully points out whenever things
go off the rails. Another key element of my job is thought
leadership. This consists of understanding a complex
present and then defining pathways that enable the
country to face the future with confidence.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
I am always inspired by the many stories of hope and
perseverance that I have heard from my staff and the
people of Rwanda. They have gone through so much
untold trauma. I can never understand their pain, but I
hope they will allow me to share their journey and be part
of this extraordinary quest to make a better human family.
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a metaphor for a
period of heightened stress and growing inequalities.
A moment when the strength of our institutions and
humanity have been tested. The greatest challenge has
been keeping the hope alive. We see the weakest in our
society finding it hard to cope. But, for me, this challenge
has offered us the opportunity to shine the light and do
something about the welfare of those who are on the
sidelines of development, including persons with disabilities.
The Rwanda Country Office has sought to include all
these elements, supporting various programmes and initiatives aimed at increasing social and economic resilience
and working towards the achievement of the 2030
Agenda.
Meanwhile, Rwanda itself has chosen a more promising
and robust pathway. They have shared our narrative that