As an Operations Assistant/Site Manager with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), I visit several sites in Bangui, the capital of Central African Republic (CAR) daily to monitor the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs). 

The information I gather with the team is included in the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), which is shared with other humanitarian partners to communicate the needs of IDPs across CAR. With the information, humanitarian partners are able to assist IDPs with shelter, WASH, health, food distribution, and other needs. 

I joined IOM as a volunteer in December 2013, when the CAR crisis began. At the time, I was working for Ideal International, a NGO that supports children through provision of educational materials. After seven months as a volunteer with IOM, I was hired as a staff member. 

In 1990, when I was fifteen years old, I came to CAR during the Sudanese Civil War. I made part of the journey from Sudan to CAR by foot and was assisted by UNHCR the rest of the way. There were many people who helped me back then and now it is my turn to help others. 

In CAR, I saw how people were suffering and because I had a similar experience, I wanted to help them. I remember one displaced woman who participated in an IOM Cash-for-Work program and with the money she earned, started her own micro-business selling goods. I was able to see firsthand how her life improved. 

Being a humanitarian simply means helping people. I hope to continue with my humanitarian career with a focus on protection, helping those who are especially vulnerable.