Providing aid while depending on it

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Johnson Kuithoy is both an aid worker and an internally displaced person living in a Protection of Civilians (POC) settlement near Juba. The South Sudanese in his thirties has dedicated his life to providing relief, while he and his family likewise depend on it.

On World Humanitarian Day, we celebrate him as one of many who give of themselves to help the more than 130 million people need humanitarian assistance in order to survive.

It all started about 15 years ago, when Johnson realised he was no longer safe in his native country – then Sudan. For the first time, he sought refuge in neighbouring Uganda. That was the last time he had a permanent home.

 

After years of living in exile – both in Uganda and later in Kenya – Johnson decided to give his home country another try and returned to Juba in 2011, following South Sudan’s independence. But life didn’t turn out to be easy for him or his family. The young couple had to make the very difficult decision to send their two children to live with their grandparents in Kenya. “We want to give them a chance and provide them with a future they might not have here in South Sudan,” Johnson explains. “What hurts the most is that I have never met my son, who is now almost 3 years old. I was working in the North of the country when he was born and he left for Kenya with my wife’s parents soon after.”

 “What hurts the most is that I have never met my son, who is now almost 3 years old." 

Today the couple lives in one of Juba’s protected civilian sites, referred to as PoC’s. They have a small tent, furnished with a bed, several chairs and suitcases filled with all of their belongings. Space is limited. An estimated 30,000 others also live in the PoC on the outskirts of the capital.

“I really thought that things would get better, especially when we signed a peace deal last year. I thought there would be better education and better chances for children. I now realise that people are still fighting and running away. That’s the reason why I also decided to send my children away. The money I make, I send to them, so that their future is secured,” he says.

Finding a job wasn’t easy at first, even though Johnson has a degree in business. It wasn’t until 2014 that he came across a position with World Vision. “The organisation has been providing food and assistance to all registered IDPs at my site. I was hired as their Food and Field Observer. I actually work right outside my front door: Here in the camp.”

 "I was hired as their Food and Field Observer. I actually work right outside my front door: Here in the camp.”

As a former refugee and now IDP, Johnson truly understands the people he is serving. “I’m a member of the community and that’s why I know everyone’s needs first-hand,” he says proudly. Having experienced the same struggles, Johnson is a perfectly equipped aid worker. He could move out of the PoC if he wanted to, but has decisively chosen not to. “I still don’t feel safe in central Juba and while life here is not the easiest, I don’t see another option right now.” July’s fighting has taken an additional toll on the young man, who used to take classes in the evenings, but is now worried to leave the protected site. “There is always fear,” he says. “You go out and there is a chance that you get killed. It’s not worth it.”

 “I’m encouraged to work with my colleagues and I know that we are providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to thousands of families here in South Sudan.” 

Working with World Vision has given Johnson hope and he enjoys spending time with his team. “I’m encouraged to work with my colleagues and I know that we are providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance to thousands of families here in South Sudan.” Johnson is involved in daily food distributions as well as assessments throughout the camp. He works closely together with his team to make sure all IDPs at the site have what they need.

Having an income has also helped the family support their children and secure a future for them. 

Sitting in his tent with his wife Victoria, Johnson knows that he can now finally meet his son as well, and he is excited: “I have a secure job, and I can save up now to visit my boy and my girl in Kenya. I know the day will come soon.”