The Sacher Torte Lady
by Marina Kmentt
Whenever I think of my time in the Africa Section, a big smile invariably spreads across my face. I joined the Section as a secretary in early 1985 and left it, and UNICEF, in mid-1987 to return to Austria, my home country. While my stint with the organisation was quite brief, the “Africa Section experience” was one that I would not have wanted to miss for the world, and one that to this day has a very special place in my heart.
So what was so unique about that period that makes former Africa Section colleagues still rave about it and continue to feel a special bond with one another after all these years? For me, as a 24-year-old woman recently arrived from Europe and a first-timer to the UN system, it was a combination of things:
The exotic mix of nationalities and personalities fascinated me. I remember proudly telling friends of mine back home that I was working in a team of about 20 colleagues who represented some 15 different nationalities from all over the world. And not only that, we were all thrown together in an open office space set-up, something that was unheard of in Europe at the time. What a wonderful melting pot I found myself in – I loved it and was so impressed!
I considered myself quite privileged to be among this diverse bunch of interesting and lovely human beings who were my colleagues! The fact that we worked so well together and enjoyed each other’s company so much, resulted in a sense of togetherness and collegiality that was hugely appreciated by all. I remember the very busy and hectic times with heavy workloads and time pressures, but the great team spirit in the Section provided us all with the strength and motivation to overcome these stressful moments.
I can only mention a few of my wonderful colleagues, starting with our “Chief” and ship’s captain, Fouad Kronfol. Fouad kept a firm grip on his crew, albeit with a very gentle and human touch, and navigated us safely and with a great sense of humour through invariably fascinating and sometimes challenging times.
My immediate boss and “mentor”, Jim Mohan, surprised us secretaries every Monday morning with a lovely bunch of flowers on our desks. He encouraged me to go on a 6-week field mission to N’Djamena, Chad, to help assist in the setting-up of the country office there, an experience I will never forget and for which I was ever extremely grateful!
I fondly remember Margaret Williams, the “mother” of the Section, who always had the well-being of us colleagues at heart. One could confide in her with everything and anything and would always get the best and most sincere advice.
And then my colleague George Kassis, always ready to help and always ready for a joke. When I decided to return to Austria, he talked to me about UNRWA, which at the time had its Headquarters in Vienna, and encouraged me to try my luck with them. I followed his advice and subsequently worked with that organisation in Vienna and in the Gaza Strip for the following 9 years!
I have fond memories of every single colleague with whom I shared the “Africa Section experience” and to this day I occasionally dig out and read the farewell card I received from the team upon my departure. And when I do, that big smile again spreads across my face …
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