Comments by our readers, April 4 to April 11

 



Unknown commented on "Sacred Heights - Ol Doinyo Lengai: Detlef Palm"

6 hours ago

Madeline Eisner --- What a stunning reportage, equipped with glorious photos. Lived through it vicariously! Thanks...

Kimberly Gamble-Payne commented on "Sacred Heights - Ol Doinyo Lengai: Detlef Palm"

10 hours ago

Excellent - especially with the sound track. Thank you Detlef and Gabi !!

In Response to a comment by Maie Ayoub von Kohl

Maie Ayoub von Kohl commented on "Sacred Heights - Ol Doinyo Lengai: Detlef Palm"

11 hours ago

all around fabulous photos, and story. Thank you Detlef.

Sree commented on "Sacred Heights - Ol Doinyo Lengai: Detlef Palm"

11 hours ago

Wow! A great thrilling narrative from an adventurous couple- that surpassed Livingstone , Ken! The pictures are awesome and you camping overlooking the crater, was incredible. Thanks for sharing ! Honestly, pardon my ignorance I did not know about this volcano growing up and it was only later when I travelled in Africa for Unicef.

Ken Gibbs commented on "Sacred Heights - Ol Doinyo Lengai: Detlef Palm"

11 hours ago

Stand aside, David Livingstone ! I think that you, Gabi and your children have covered more of Africa than Livingstone did. What a magical childhood your children have had.

As for your descent from the top of Lengai, do I assume that Gabi had to guide you all the way, acting as eyes in the back of your head ?

Doreen Lobo commented on "From the Editors (some of the new ones!)"

12 hours ago

My hearty congrats to the new team of editors of our XUNICEF blog. Good Luck. I hope a few of our XUNICEF women will join the team ! Doreen

Detlef Palm commented on "The Sun Rises for All: Poem by Ludo Wellfens"

15 hours ago

Beautifully dark, hauntingly political and strikingly existential!

Detlef Palm commented on "10 Question by Ivan Yerovi"

2 days ago

Thinking Slow, Thinking Fast by D. Khanemann is among the most important books that I ever read. Here is a link . Summarized versions are available, but I recommend the real thing.

Detlef Palm commented on "10 Questions with Solofo Ramaroson"

Apr 7, 2026

Mahafinaritra ny mandre an'i Solofo. Azo alaina amin'ny fiteny mihoatra ny 200 izao ny fandikan-teny.

Rob Carr commented on "UPDATE: Re-Launching 10 Questions by Rob Carr"

Apr 7, 2026

Editor here - your concern is well noted. This is an open forum for all XUNICEF staff - so everyone should feel free to share no matter what post you occupied. I do agree that XUNICEF landscape is dominated by many who had senior positions - we are thinking how to remedy this and broaden the circle. In fact among the over 1000 members of XUNICEF only about 7 or 8 of the same people who contribute articles regularly. We have also made submitting articles easier by making it as simple as sending an e-mail. All jobs in UNICEF matter. Imagine being in an office with no drivers or travel assistants or cleaners - the office would collapse in less than a week. No work would get done. Imagine the same office with no Rep for 4 or 5 months or no Regional Director - the office would still move forward and work would get done. Also, I think we all have views on our hopes and fears for children - it is not unique to former Reps or Regional Directors. Support staff are the bedrock of UNICEF - we would love to hear the views of all staff and especially those that made sure our programs moved forward - the bank account works, the cars have fuel, and the conference room is booked.

Rob Carr commented on "10 Questions with Tony Bloomberg"

Apr 7, 2026

Hi Tony - I do recall you moving into Sierra Leone - not only during the war but the office was in turmoil and needed strong leadership. We all look back on those years with pride.

Nuzhat Shahzadi commented on "10 Questions: Nuzhat Shahzadi"

Apr 7, 2026

Dear Fouad,
Many thanks for your kind words. I have decided to submit my writing again––if the world becomes too chaotic, I can't write my column as my stories mostly reflect about war and pain . . . I have been busy––life keeps happening. But working on my 3rd book. Thanks for trying to entice me––I was with the editorial group for several years . . .Doreen will be back soon I hope. She's recovering well. We are constantly in touch. Salaam

Unknown commented on "UPDATE: Re-Launching 10 Questions by Rob Carr"

Apr 6, 2026

Excellent observation!

Sree commented on "Niloufar's Post on US/Israeli attacks on Universities in Iran"

Apr 6, 2026

Senseless bombing destroying the future of children for what purpose?

Kulangani Salgado commented on "UNICEF retirees get together in Japan by Yoshi Uramoto"

Apr 6, 2026

So nice to see Dr Eimi Watanabe.... after four decades ! from Colombo Office days. Warm Regards, Kulangani

Horst Max Cerni commented on "Boots on the Ground: From Minister to Refugee by Rob Carr"

Apr 6, 2026

Great story.. You had adventurous experiences, Rob.

Unknown commented on "Holiday Greetings to XUNICEF"

Apr 6, 2026

So sweet n reconforting to read and feel a human voice to cheer us up during those catastrophic time
Peace let’s care for our children !!

Nancy Osborne commented on "10 Questions from Milada Pejovic"

Apr 6, 2026

So good to see you here Milada.

Kutloano Leshomo commented on "10 Questions: Blanca Luz Gomez Diaz"

Apr 6, 2026

So happy to see and read from you Blanca. About 10 years ago, you were on mission in Uganda and taught some of us salsa. I know you are still dancing for sure :)

Fouad commented on "UPDATE: Re-Launching 10 Questions by Rob Carr"

Apr 6, 2026

Very good observation and most pertinent.

Susan Muza commented on "Passing the Pen - A new editorial team takes charge at News & Views"

Apr 6, 2026

A warm welcome to the new team, and sincere gratitude to the exiting team for their great work !

Susan Muza commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 6, 2026

Thanks Tom, we greatly appreciate your commitment and hard work over these many years. God bless you!

Unknown commented on "UPDATE: Re-Launching 10 Questions by Rob Carr"

Apr 6, 2026

It appears that most respondents to the "10 Questions" stating their last posts were in the category "Representative", "Director," "Chief of...." and other high level assignments. Perhaps other xmembers (the majority?) feel a bit intimidated to reply having to mention "Clerk", "Admin Asst" or "Custodian".? Maybe the 10 questions themselves are a bit geared to those who held higher positions? What about a more basic questions, which relates to all, like "What hobby did you take up upon retirement"? Just an observation.

Susan Muza commented on "UNICEF Rep on XUNICEF Reunion"

Apr 6, 2026

Thanks Etona for the inspiring visit. As Xunicef we felt welcome not only to Zimbabwe, but to UNICEF too!

Unknown commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 5, 2026

Thanks Tom for your outstanding initiative and continued contributions. Very much appreciated, Bijaya Mallapaty

Mehr Khan Williams commented on "A Thank You Painting to XUNICEF by Franziska von Vietinghoff"

Apr 5, 2026

I would also like to add my thanks for the very good work the team has done to keep us informed and connected. And for all the wonderful creativity from unicef retirees which we have all enjoyed so much. Very best wishes for the future.

Nancy Terreri commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 5, 2026

I add my appreciation for all your efforts over these many years. Thanks for holding us together. Also, a big thanks to the early team that helped keep this going.

Unknown commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 5, 2026

Un grand merci dear Tom for these eight years but also for having initiated this venture that continues to unite us. Reassured by your commitment to continue to share your view points and other interesting articles with us. Warmly,
Umberto CANCELLIERI

Doreen Lobo commented on "A Thank You Painting to XUNICEF by Franziska von Vietinghoff"

Apr 5, 2026

Thank you Franziska. You deserve special thanks for sharing your remarkable ICON paintings that we featured in so many of our weekly blogs. I hope you will now share your new collection of oils for our XUNICEF family to enjoy. Doreen

Ian Hopwood commented on "A Thank You Painting to XUNICEF by Franziska von Vietinghoff"

Apr 5, 2026

Let me add to Franziska's message of thanks and appreciation of your outstanding work. I hope you enjoy this next "retirement"!

Unknown commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 5, 2026

Would like to see Tom as the Chief Advisor of editorial board.
An Ex-Unicef Staff fromKY, USA

Fouad commented on "10 Questions: Edgard Seikaly"

Apr 5, 2026

Marhaba ya Edgard, nice cake but where is the candle? I will vote for you as the next UNICEF ED.Salamat.

Fouad commented on "10 Questions: Nuzhat Shahzadi"

Apr 5, 2026

Dear Nuzhat, So nice to see your face and read your lines again. We missed you at the Editors meetings and even more so when your stories about various postings became fewer . Glad to note you are back as contributor and hope you will continue and increase your articles for the XUNICEF Blog. Why don’t you reconsider rejoining the new Editors group as there is an unbalance in the gender composition as well as no one from the western hemisphere? Many Salaams.

Milada Pejovic commented on "UNICEF retirees get together in Japan by Yoshi Uramoto"

Apr 4, 2026

Hi Yuki, some 30+ years have passed since we met in UNICEF Belgrade . It's good to see that you have joined XUNICEF community. Enjoy your retirement! Warm regards, Milada

Milada Pejovic commented on "A Personal Note from Tom McDermott"

Apr 4, 2026

Dear Tom, thank you so much for your hard work and commitment to XUNICEF Blog. You and the rest of the editorial team kept us connected for almost a decade. Thank you for your huge support to our reunion in Zimbabwe. Wishing you much success in everything that you will be doing. With warmest regards to you and your family, Milada

Mary Racelis commented on "10 Questions: Marta Maurás"

Apr 4, 2026

Hi Marta! LIke Fouad, I'm delighted you added your answers, putting us in touch once again. They encourage me to do the same. I especially appreciate that you cite as your best experience in UNICEF, Mozambique and Swaziland. How well I remember when I was the ESARO RD at the time, your successful advocacy for Children on the Frontline -- in South Africa and surrounding countries -- with wider regional implications! I'll write you separately later. Mary

Fouad Kronfol commented on "Jenin: A Learning Experience / Ken Gibbs"

Apr 4, 2026

I wonder how many of our XUNICEF members read the part you wrote on Jenin. I found it particularly interesting in that you very ably described the untenable situation of the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories. This part could have stood out as a separate article or even a "feature" of our Blog.

Fouad Kronfol commented on "10 Questions: Marta Maurás"

Apr 4, 2026

Hola querida Marta, so nice to see and read your answers. It has been a long time since we connected. Stay posted. Cheers.

Fouad Kronfol commented on "UNICEF retirees get together in Japan by Yoshi Uramoto"

Apr 4, 2026

Also the venerable Eimi Watanabe , third from left in front row, who might be considered the "doyenne" of the Group.

Fouad Kronfol commented on "A Comparison of UNICEF Giants on the Passing of Stephen Lewis by Robert Cohen"

Apr 4, 2026

Bravo Bob. This is a wonderful piece of reflection on two special humans who exemplified all that is positive with UNICEF. Today, however, it is hard to find anyone who can be compared to both. The timelines of Grant and Lewis are also different from the last 20-25 years where the "moral architecture" has added another factor, that of increasingly normalizing the killing and maiming of children.

Detlef Palm commented on "UNICEF retirees get together in Japan by Yoshi Uramoto"

Apr 4, 2026

I recognize Yukie Mokuo , who urgently needs to join the XUNICEF blog and community!

Detlef Palm commented on "10 Questions: Suresh Kishanrao"

Apr 4, 2026

Suresh - this is your blog. Why don't you contribute a report of the type you describe?

Detlef Palm commented on "10 Questions by Ramesh Shrestha"

Apr 4, 2026

Ramesh - good idea with the contest (photography or otherwise). It keeps us on our toes. Why don't you draft an article/invitation about it?

Detlef Palm commented on "10 Questions: Edgard Seikaly"

Apr 4, 2026

Edgard - good advice! What should everyone do so that the blog gets more readers