An unsung hero: Celebrating a lifetime of humanitarian service

An Unsung Hero: Celebrating a Lifetime of Humanitarian Service

As the world comes together to honour World Humanitarian Day, the remarkable journey of Thet Paing, an unsung hero in the field of humanitarian work, shines bright. With dedication spanning 19 years at World Vision Myanmar, he embodies the essence of selflessness and compassion.

A path of discovery

Born in Yangon, Thet Paing’s journey toward humanitarian work began with a pursuit of better opportunities. While financial incentives led him to explore opportunities in INGOs over local companies initially, his perspective transformed later. He became deeply immersed in the heart of humanitarian work. At the outset, he admittedly did not fully grasp the profound nature of INGO work. However, as he engaged with vulnerable communities and witnessed their challenges firsthand, his understanding evolved, and his commitment to community-driven work deepened.

Before transitioning to the humanitarian sector, he spent three years in the private sector. The turning point came when he joined World Vision Myanmar at the age of 24, starting as a Community Development Facilitator. This role allowed him to directly impact the lives of those in need, specifically at the Tharbaung Area Programme (AP), where he worked for four years. This experience laid the foundation for his growth, leading to a promotion to Area Programme Manager at the AP.

A fragile community

Every monsoon season, Tharbaung Township always battles against frequent flooding, which is exacerbated by climate change. Over the years, he worked with the community to raise houses to counter flooding and provided essential knowledge on disaster management through the collaboration of World Vision Philippines and the national office in Myanmar. The establishment of a disaster management committee facilitated a collective response during and after flooding, empowering villagers to endure challenges more resiliently.

Thet Paing proudly said, “Among my proudest achievements with World Vision is the elevation of houses in Tharbaung, replacing wooden bases with concrete and enhancing flood resilience.”

Tharbaung remained unaffected in the 2008 Cyclone Nargis disaster. Nevertheless, his team travelled to the afflicted area, made assessments, gathered information, and efficiently provided humanitarian aid to vulnerable children and families.

A bridge of understanding

In 2018, Thet Paing assumed the role of area manager in the Humanitarian Emergency Assistance Department, stationed in Rakhine State. This period coincided with the outbreak of conflict. Communication initially presented a challenge due to language barriers. The place is also quite diversified.

Later he adapted by learning the local language and actively engaging with the community. He navigates them with compassion, dedication, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

He shared, “By extending our love and care to those we serve, especially children, we develop genuine human connections, thus reflecting the true essence of our work.”

His team provides non-food items, shelter, kitchen set, and personal hygiene to those affected by conflict. To ensure the emotional well-being of injured or orphaned children, they also distribute protection kits to children that include clothing and toys.

Recent super cyclone Mocha

Cyclone Mocha brought another wave of challenges to Rakhine State, including the destruction of water sources. In collaboration with local authorities and communities, his team was able to distribute clean water to vulnerable children and their families.

He said, “Despite the limitations of a small team, community support enabled us to extend our humanitarian efforts. By partnering with local authorities, we managed to install water purifying filters in schools, benefiting over 10,000 students.”

The heart of a humanitarian

Thet Paing has encountered a great deal of difficulty while working as a humanitarian. He occasionally considered giving up on it. 

However, his commitment to both his family's well-being and the communities he serves fuels his dedication. The profound connections forged with the people he works for and the strength drawn from Christ inspire him to persist even in adversity.

As the world pays tribute on World Humanitarian Day, Thet Paing stands as a testament to the power of love, resilience, and unwavering dedication to help and support the most vulnerable children and families.