Two South Sudan Delegation Staff receive service medals

Awad receives his medal as the HoA Perluigi Catterino congratulates him.

On Wednesday, two members of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan received 20-year service medal in recognition of their dedicated service.

Doka Awad, a local agent and office clerk, has worked for the European Union for 21 and a half years. He started his career at the Delegation to Sudan before relocating to Juba prior to South Sudan's independence in 2011. He has continued working there ever since. Upon receiving his medal, Mr Awad expressed his delight at being the first South Sudanese to have received the medal.

"Acquiring the European Compound, establishing the EU's office premises and raising the EU flag in South Sudan are the most memorable and satisfying moments of my over 20 years of service to the EU. 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 South Sudan's independence. I was then promoted to office clerk," said Awad happily.

Massimo Scalorbi, Head of the Delegation's Cooperation Section, said that his two decades with the EU had taken him to Chad, Côte d'Ivoire, Haiti, Mauritania, Burundi, and finally, South Sudan.

"The work we are doing is very beautiful. It's rich in the sense that it brings you many things from different sectors of knowledge, and different realities and contexts. It brings you many opportunities for human relationships that are always super enriching, so they let you grow as a professional and as a person. When working in a developing context, you are always part of a process, so it's unlikely that you will see the outcome of your work straight away because development takes years to produce concrete results. In the short term, however, if you bring electricity to a village, you can see that the lives of the people will change," Massimo said.

EUDSSD

Mr Massimo Scalobi receiving his medal from the Head of Delegation, Ambassador Pelle Enarsson.

The European Union awards medals and other forms of recognition to employees who have completed 20 years or more of service, honouring their dedication and contribution as well as recognising significant commitment and tenure.

EUDSSD

The Delegation LAs pose for a photo with medalist, Awad Doka.