Resilience, Recover, and Rebuild: Min's humanitarian journey

Min, a Disaster Management Manager of World Vision International Myanmar has been in the humanitarian sector for almost 16 years. After earning his master's degree in applied physics, he began working at a local company. 

The Calling

Before Cyclone Nargis in 2008, he had no intention of working in the humanitarian field.  Significant damage was caused by Cyclone Nargis in the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions. As a company staff, Min realized he would not have the opportunity to help those people, even though he wanted to help them and the communities. Later Min learned that Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are helping those people. In order to assist those affected by cyclones and engage in cyclone response programmes, Min and his friends applied to over ten different organisations. "At that point, I had no knowledge of humanitarian projects, responses, or reliefs. All I know is that I wanted to support the community and those individuals.” Min stated. Unfortunately, Min did not get any of the positions he applied for. 

Joined hand with World Vision International Myanmar

Later in 2008, Min got an opportunity to work with World Vision International Myanmar’s South Dagon Area Programme as a Community Development Facilitator. Min felt that serving the vulnerable people was acceptable, although he could not provide support for the communities affected by the cyclone as his initial wish. Later, he was promoted to Area Programme Manager for the South Dagon Area Programme. After the South Dagon Area Programme ended, Min continued his humanitarian journey with World Vision International Myanmar as a Project Manager for the Myanmar Cookstove Pilot Project which was implemented in six Area Programmes.

Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs

Starting in 2017, there was a high demand for urgent emergency relief in remote areas like the Rakhine region. Min said, “At that time, I have been working in community development for almost ten years. I realized it was a good time for me to do what I wanted to do from the beginning of my humanitarian journey. I believed that the time was right for me to embark on new challenges and experiences in emergency and humanitarian programmes. Therefore, I joined the Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs (HEA) Division of World Vision International Myanmar as a Response Manager. I have been working in the HEA Division ever since.”

Insights on current situations

According to a recent UNOCHA Report, nationwide displacement has affected 3 million people, including children since February 2021. Min believes that international organisations should prioritize humanitarian needs among the triple nexus approach (humanitarian, development, and peace) such as food, water, and non-food items including household and individual items. Min shared that, in contrast to previous years, international donor agencies have recently shown increased interest in humanitarian and emergency programmes. They now consider emergency needs and responses even within development initiatives and they strive to secure additional funding for the country. Due to the current fragile situation, international organisations have limited access to communities to provide support. Therefore, Min believes that international organisations, including World Vision International Myanmar, should partner with local organisations to support these communities. Furthermore, they should work to strengthen the capabilities of these local organisations, enabling them to provide support to the communities in a more organised and efficient.

Unforgettable moment of Min’s humanitarian journey

Throughout his humanitarian journey, Min experienced many life-changing events. Among them, he could never help but think of one of the inspired stories from the field. Min shared an inspired story, “His name is Aung, a carpenter from one of the remote areas. He had to leave his house and village and move to another place due to the armed conflict. His house and village were burnt down and he became one of the internally displaced people (IDP) and lived in an IDP camp. Later he participated in World Vision International Myanmar’s food programme. After attending the "Generate Your Business" training, he realized that he could not rely on other people to survive.  Soon after the training, he resumed operating his business—constructing houses in neighbouring villages—with World Vision's assistance following the training. When he builds a house, he not only employs himself but also four or five other people. From this story, I have learned that with the resilience he had, the recovery process and the support he received, he can rebuild his life.”

Resilience, Recover and Rebuild

Due to the country's fragile situation, humanitarian workers face numerous challenges. Despite these obstacles, humanitarian workers remain resilient and continue their hard work to support the most vulnerable communities. Min shared, “Just as the storm usually ends at some point, so too will the current situation. We don't know how or when. However, together we must be resilient and prepared for the process of recovery and rebuilding of the vulnerable communities.”