Two staff members of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan were awarded 20-year service medals on Wednesday in recognition of their long service.
Doka Awad, a local agent and office clerk, has worked for the European Union for more than 21 years. He began his career at the EU Delegation to Sudan before relocating to Juba ahead of South Sudan’s independence in 2011, where he has worked since.
Upon receiving his medal, Awad said he was proud to be the first South Sudanese to receive the honor.
“Acquiring the European compound, establishing the EU office premises and raising the EU flag in South Sudan are the most memorable and satisfying moments of my over 20 years of service,” he said. “I started as a driver in 2004 and played a part in setting up the office in Juba before the establishment of the EU Delegation following independence. I was then promoted to office clerk.”
Massimo Scalorbi, head of the delegation’s cooperation section, said his two decades with the European Union had taken him to Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Haiti, Mauritania, Burundi and South Sudan.
“The work we are doing is very rewarding,” Scalorbi said. “It exposes you to different sectors, realities and contexts, and offers opportunities for human relationships that help you grow both professionally and personally.”
He noted that development work often takes years to show results, though some changes can be seen more quickly.
“In the short term, if you bring electricity to a village, you can see how people’s lives change,” he said.
The European Union awards medals and other recognition to employees who complete 20 years or more of service, honoring their dedication and long-term contribution.
