LAKES – When they saw the broken bed frames, peeling walls, roof leaks, cracked windows and lack of protection against mosquitoes in one of the wards at the hospital in Rumbek, a group of 20 dedicated United Nations Volunteers serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) decided to step up.

Embracing the spirit of volunteerism and perhaps also with 5 December, International Volunteer Day, in mind, a multinational group of UN Volunteers, representing 16 different countries, spent more than a month addressing the many neglected needs at the medical ward.

"If we can contribute to change, we will take it upon ourselves to make a difference that counts," explains Adam Rasheed, a member of the voluntary “rescue team”.

First, the group gathered the resources they would need for their intended repair mission, then, over the weeks, they started spending some of their spare time on the transformation of the healthcare facility.

Proper windows were promptly installed.

Walls emitted imaginary sounds of delight as they were covered by shiny coats of fresh paint.

Bed frames regained their dignity as they were repaired and became ready to host new mattresses, pillows and bed linen.

Mosquitoes and other bothering bugs were rendered harmless as meshes and protective nets were put in place.

And, when the renovation efforts had been rounded off with a thorough cleaning, patients purred as well.

"This ward looks completely different from what it did just a few weeks ago, when I was first admitted. Now I can sleep on a proper mattress and can even adjust the bed when I want to eat. It makes a world of difference," says Mary Chol.

In fact, the radical facelift and much-improved conditions of the ward are boosting staff morale as well.

“We are all winners and beneficiaries. A clean, well-maintained environment allows us to focus on our real job, which is to offer quality care," says Dr. Teran Madit.

While improving the lives of the ailing and the nursing alike was the immediate objective of their voluntary initiative, it also served a different, more long-term purpose.

"We wanted to inspire others by showing exactly how much can be accomplished when we act together and with determination,” says Fatmata Mamie Henrietta Deen-Kanu, also part of the renovation team.