“A humanitarian worker safeguards people’s dignity after all they have been through,” Saleh Al-Muqdad – FAO resilience officer - Daraa governorate - The Syrian Arab Republic.

For humanitarian workers, every new day brings opportunities to support and inspire people to become their best. This is achievable in ordinary circumstances. But in a country which has suffered a protracted crisis like Syria, the situation is extraordinary; every day brings opportunities to bring hope to people who have lost everything in a conflict that was not of their making.

Most rural families in Daraa governorate have faced unimaginable security challenges, as well as limited access to the inputs they need for farming, and extreme shortages of fuel and electricity. FAO is supporting these farmers with integrated interventions to improve the food production situation, thanks to a dedicated team including Saleh Al-Muqdad.

Saleh – the FAO resilience officer for Daraa governorate - worked previously as an agronomist at the Agriculture Directorate for twenty-four years. Today, he is responsible for facilitating the Organization projects’ implementation in the governorate, supporting vulnerable farmers with technical guidance, and reporting to FAO on the evolving situation in the area, the emerging needs and the results of interventions.

“The working environment in Daraa is not normal! I meet people who have lost everything, no words can comfort their pain. However, it feels great to be a humanitarian worker who can contribute to improving the farmers’ day-to-day lives after all they have been through.” Said Saleh.

Daily working routine becomes inspiring

Once farmers receive support from FAO and resume production, Saleh drives through the villages in Daraa to meet and guide them to harvest good results. It motivates him to monitor the progress of each beneficiary, and he shares their hopes. But Saleh has been astonished by Riad Ghazi, one young beneficiary from Yadoda - Daraa governorate: “Riad is a person who lost one of his legs from a mortar shell, but decided to pursue a decent life,” said Saleh.

“I am proud of being part of Riad’s progress in food production. Through FAO’s Farmer Field School, I handled grants and inputs to set up a low tunnel in his backyard and guided him with the right technical practices referenced by FAO. The results were surprising, he has now established a micro-business specialized in vegetable seedling production!”

Saleh has a general belief in people's capabilities, but Riad is an inspiring case.  He spent hours listening to Saleh’s encouragement in order to succeed in establishing his own business: “Riad is a true entrepreneur who refused to rely on aid, even from his own family,”

Advice to young humanitarian workers 

Being a humanitarian worker requires compassion and an open-heart in conversation with people. With employment and voluntary opportunities for the younger generation, Saleh sees that the job of a humanitarian worker is a noble one, requiring a strong personality and skills.

“Some want to become a humanitarian worker to generate a good income. But this is not an element for success.  It is not an easy job to serve people who have lost everything, their beloved ones, their houses, their savings,” said Saleh, “What makes a true humanitarian worker is empathy, honesty, integrity and loyalty. To protect a person’s dignity and never leave anyone behind. This is my advice to the younger generation.”