1) What attracted you to the NETI Programme?

Since I was a teenager I’ve been fascinated with UNICEF’s mandate and its commitment to improving the lives of children, and this fascination attracted me to apply to the NETI Programme at UNICEF. With regards to the NETI Programme itself, it was the combination of high-profile professional and personal development offered through its mentoring and coaching opportunities, along with the experiences at both NYHQ and the Country Office level that attracted me most.

2) What was your role as a NETI participant with UNICEF?

During the NETI Programme I was a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist in Mali, and also participated in a 1-month emergency support mission to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. Since July 2010, I have been based in Bhopal, in the state of Madhya Pradesh in India as a WASH Specialist.

3) How do you think the NETI Programme has helped you with your career?

As a participant in the NETI Programme I had the opportunity to network with amazing people from all over the globe, and to get to know colleagues from New York Headquarters (NYHQ). Since the NETI Programme ended I have kept in contact with my NETI colleagues, which has proved to be valuable in terms of receiving guidance. Furthermore, the NETI “label” sparked the curiosity of certain colleagues in country offices, which also provided opportunities to receive guidance and exchange experiences.

4) What were the best things about the NETI Programme?

1. The induction in NYHQ;
2. The professional development components (coaching, mentoring and the continous technical and professional guidance).

5) What is the most memorable experience you have had as part of the NETI Programme?

The most memorable experience I had as a WASH Specialist in Mali was organizing a concert for the promotion of hand washing with soap in Bamako’s main stadium, which was attended by 25,000 children (with 10,000 of them intending to break the Guinness World Record of the maximum number of children washing their hands simultaneously). The President of Mali was also a guest along with amazing artists performing live onstage! The kids and our governmental partners loved it. This was AFRICA rocking the world!