DUTY STATION:  Afghanistan
POSITION:  Field Coordinator

“I decided to be a humanitarian worker after a devastating natural disasters (an Avalanche) that occurred in Salang pass resulting in huge human losses. I felt the pain and suffering and aimed to help children, women, and elders who were affected and trapped under the debris of the avalanche.”

WHY DID YOU BECOME A HUMANITARIAN WORKER OR VOLUNTEER? 

I decided to be a humanitarian worker after a devastating natural disasters (an Avalanche) that occurred in Salang pass resulting in huge human losses. I felt the pain and suffering and aimed to help children, women, and elders who were affected and trapped under the debris of the avalanche. The victims were in dire need of humanitarian assistance that every human heart can feel. This incident motivated me to choose humanitarian field so I could help reduce the suffering of humans by any means.
 
WHAT'S THE MOST REWARDING PART OF YOUR WORK? 

The most rewarding part of my work is when I see a family who has lost all their belongings and has nothing to survive being assisted. I feel content when I see the joy in the eyes of a family head who will continue his life after a lot of sufferings. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE CHALLENGING ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK?

The most challenging aspects of my work are the deteriorating security situation which hampers the delivery of relief items. The level of poverty in the affected communities is challenging: they expect more then what our mandate allows us to distribute which puts me in difficult situation. 

TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE WORK YOU DO…

I work as field coordinator and my main job is to coordinate assessments and response to disaster-affected and displaced families. 

WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED DURING YOUR WORK? 

One of my memorable moments during my five years of work as humanitarian worker was when I was busy conducting assessment of flood-affected families in Kabul city. I found two families whose houses had been completely destroyed. I met with the two disabled women members of the same family. Non-food items, blankets, warm clothing and emergency shelter were immediately provided to the family. While the family was receiving the assistance, the disabled women were so happy and excited; they pulled me, hugged and thanked me for the assistance that will allow them to continue their normal life.