Kenyan gospel singer-songwriter, Mercy Masika lands a job as a Goodwill Ambassador at the UNHCR becoming the first Kenyan to claim this position.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BymdDDogxR7/
19th of June 2019, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency have announced the appointment of the gospel singer as its International Goodwill Ambassador (Kenya).
Up on social media, the popular artist expresses her excitement and gratitude for this honor.
It’s a real honour to be appointed Goodwill Ambassador,thank you @unhcrkenya @unhcr for this honor.
Thank you @UNHCR_Kenya @Refugees ready for duty pic.twitter.com/9crBuaL4m7
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Further articulating:
I believe this role is given to us together to represent our own
especially those that we are called to,the vulnerable, persecuted and everyone forced to flee,
did you know Jesus was a refugee?
Thank you @unhcrkenya @unhcr for this honor.
https://www.instagram.com/p/By4IlA9g5fh/
This comes at a time when the world is deeply immersed in unprecedented forced displacement.
With Kenya currently hosting close to 480,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
Mercy points out that she now seeks to meet more individuals forced to flee their homes for various reasons.
I will use my platforms to share what they go through so that people can understand how it is to be a refugee,
https://www.instagram.com/p/ByCs1OGAf8A/
Inspiration
According to her, Jesus too was a refugee.
Therefore believes we have all been called to represent our very own who are in a similar vulnerable position.
Refugees are just like you and me – they could in fact be any of us.
I believe as an African community we have a responsibility to invoke the spirit of Ubuntu –
that we carry each other’s burdens by showing our warm heartedness in the face of a refugee’s struggle.
The performing artist discloses how various Bible verses keep pushing her to work with UNHCR.
The first time I went to Kakuma refugee camp was life changing
because I got to hear from women who had been through really terrible experiences.
It is listening to these experiences that motivates me to advocate for their well-being.
Background
Prior to the appointment, Masika was UNHCR´s High Profile Supporter.
Through championing its LuQuLuQu campaign in a bid to change the narrative of the African refugee.
Through my involvement with the LuQuLuQu campaign, I have the opportunity to meet with people who have been forced to flee
and who, despite having lost everything, show unwavering resilience to overcome their circumstances to rebuild their lives
Since then, Mercy continuously advocates for and supports UNHCR´s work in protecting refugees.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BxeaMflARZ2/
Right from supporting public engagement to fundraising campaigns.
Additionally representing UNHCR globally at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C earlier on.
An event that had high profile individuals including the US President present.
Applause
The ´Shule Yako´ singer has her Congratulatory messages streaming in, from across the board.
kambuamuziki Ah this is awesome!
mojishortbabaa ????????????????massawejapanni awesome dear????
????????????????????awesome honor…praise the Lord..???????????? Congratulations
Go go go. …gal….Proud of you Mercy ???? Serve him well ????????????❤️Congratulations mama very proud of you❤️Hongera Mercy ????????????.Zidi kubarikiwa
