On the occasion of World Humanitarian Day, I find myself reflecting deeply on my own journey and the significance of being a humanitarian. It's a title that I wear with immense pride, and its implications resonate deeply within me.

What Being a Humanitarian Means to Me

To me, being a humanitarian is an embodiment of profound human values—values that prioritize saving lives and alleviating the sufferings of people in the wake of disasters, wars, and calamities. It transcends barriers of race, color, nationality, or ethnicity. It's a commitment to recognizing needs and vulnerabilities and treating every individual with compassion and empathy. This commitment is driven by an unwavering adherence to humanitarian principles.

My elation in my work has roots in my childhood aspirations. I've always believed that the true essence of happiness lies in bringing joy to others. Every time I see relief in someone's eyes or a glimmer of hope, my heart swells with satisfaction and reassurance. My career in humanitarian work has fortified my conviction that life's purpose is magnified when we touch the lives of vulnerable individuals, particularly those marred by natural disasters and warfare.

Interestingly, my professional life has also bolstered my personal resilience. The stories of survival, grit, and perseverance I've witnessed in the field have been my guiding stars, especially in personal adversities. When my son was diagnosed with cancer seven months ago, it was these tales of strength and survival that kept my spirits afloat. They reminded me that the human spirit, even when battered, possesses an uncanny ability to rise above.

Navigating Challenges in Humanitarian Work

The journey hasn't been without its set of challenges. In Yemen, the ravages of war have left countless vulnerable people; over two-thirds of the population is in need of help. The overwhelming needs often surpass our available resources. It's heart-wrenching to prioritize aid when you know that every hand you don't reach out to is a life in need.

Furthermore, the extensive damage to infrastructures, including sectors like health, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and education, has amplified our challenges. Restoring these infrastructures is a colossal task that every humanitarian worker grapples with.

The Force That Drives Me

So, what propels me forward amidst these challenges? It's the stories. The heart-wrenching narratives of people, their struggles, their indomitable spirits, and their hopes. Their stories serve as constant reminders that my joy is intrinsically linked to alleviating their hardships.

Success stories from my humanitarian journey fuel my passion. The sight of a child's face lighting up after receiving the help they needed is unparalleled. After my son lost his radiant smile to cancer, I was haunted by the thought of countless children robbed of their smiles. It's this vision of restoring those lost smiles that motivates me every day. As long as I breathe, I'll strive to bring back those smiles and make a difference in the humanitarian sphere.

This World Humanitarian Day, I'm not just celebrating a profession. I'm celebrating a calling, a passion, and a life dedicated to bringing light to the darkest corners of the world.

-              Sadeq Al-Salahi, Programme Coordinator