From silence to strength: A UN Volunteer with UNICEF in Liberia
Because every young person matters!
UN Volunteer Child Protection Officer
“My name is Matenneh Kimberlyn Barmoh. I serve as a national UN Volunteer. My dream is simple: to make sure every young person is seen, heard, and given a fair chance.”
Matenneh Kimberlyn's story begins in her teenage years—a time when she saw what injustice looks like up close. Friends ignored. Voices silenced. Dreams dismissed. Those moments didn’t break her; they built her. They sparked a fire that still burns today: a promise that no young person should feel invisible. In the lead-up to World Children's Day, this story spotlights how volunteering is also a way to address challenges facing young people in Liberia.
Liberia's youth
Liberia’s youth make up the largest demographic group, yet 63 percent of those under 25 struggle to access basics like education, healthcare, clean water, and nutrition. For Matenneh Kimberlyn, these aren’t numbers—they’re lives. Her mission? Tear down barriers and fight for justice, education, and dignity for every young person. She is part of the UNV Youth Advocates programme, which aims to give young people, including those with disabilities, a one-year professional experience through a volunteer assignment with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in Monrovia to protect children’s rights.
Matenneh Kimberlyn serves as a national UN Volunteer Youth Advocate Child Protection Officer and says she aspires to create positive change for young people in her community.
“This is what motivates me to become a UN Volunteer and, through my assignment, to acquire the skills I need to address challenges facing young people.”
Passion into action
Matenneh Kimberlyn includes the voice of youth into programmes, crafts stories that show the reality and hope of Liberia’s children, and ensures donors see the difference their support makes.
Through powerful human-interest stories and striking images, she brings UNICEF’s work to life. Every post, every article showcases results on the ground and highlights the programme's visibility. From managing social media platforms to compiling reports, Matenneh Kimberlyn ensures every update shows impact and reaches as far as possible—raising awareness of what's been done and what's needed to achieve programme objectives.
Beyond the desk
Matenneh Kimberlyn doesn’t just sit behind a desk. She visits safe homes for orphans and vulnerable children and works with the Government of Liberia to ensure these children receive the care they deserve. She works with government ministries to improve services and pushes for inclusion and disability rights through data she's collected.
One of her standout achievements is creating a tracking tool that shows the impact of UNICEF’s child protection work on children’s lives in Liberia. She also represents UNICEF at key meetings and shares vital information with partners.
“Volunteering is the first step in the process to lead and transform our social setup and to give our youth a better living environment.”
The roadblocks
Some roadblocks aren't easy. Limited opportunities, lack of safe spaces, and financial instability make advocacy an uphill climb. But Matenneh Kimberlyn believes passion and persistence can break those walls. She calls on every young person: Don’t wait for change—Be the change you want to see. Step up. Speak out. Make it happen.
Twenty voices—One mission
In 2024, the UNICEF Division of People and Culture collaborated with United Nations Volunteers (UNV) to launch the UNV Youth Advocates programme, which aims to give young people, including those with disabilities, a one-year professional experience through a volunteer assignment with UNICEF to protect children’s rights. Through this initiative, 20 Youth Advocates became champions of children's rights in their home countries, which included Bhutan, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iran, Kenya, Liberia, Moldova, Mozambique, Namibia, Nepal, Peru, Rwanda, São Tomé, Senegal, Thailand, Türkiye, and Zimbabwe. Matenneh Kimberlyn is part of the same programme and is based in Monrovia, Liberia.
“With dedication and heart, we can build a future where every young person matters.”
Footnotes
This editorial content is co-created by UNV/UNICEF and is the third story of this series. Stay tuned for more content from the Youth Advocates.
