Nigeria Stephen Tersoo Kundi
Humanitarians want to make a positive impact on the world and improve the lives of people.
Currently based in Makurdi, Nigeria, Stephen earned his diploma in accounting from Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri.
All of Stephen’s work experience has been in the humanitarian field: “Before joining CTG I worked as a hygiene volunteer in a local facility and as an enumerator for another organisation. I then joined CTG in my current role as a Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Enumerator in Makurdi, Nigeria.”
Day at work
“A typical day in the field for me begins early, around 6:00 am,” shares Stephen. “I start by reviewing my schedule and tasks for the day, checking the weather forecast, and ensuring I have all the necessary equipment and materials. After breakfast, I head out to the field site, which can be anywhere from a short drive to a several-hour commute, depending on the location. During this time, I often take the opportunity to respond to urgent emails or make phone calls.
“Upon arrival at the site, I meet with the team, discuss the day’s objectives, and begin the field work,” he continues. “This can involve data collection, surveys, interviews, or other research activities. I always ensure that I follow safety protocols and regulations.”
Throughout the day, Stephen collects and records data, taking detailed notes and photographs as necessary. He also conducts preliminary analysis and observations, identifying patterns, trends, or areas that require further investigation.
“Field work often involves interacting with local communities, stakeholders, or collaborators. I engage with them to gather information, provide updates on the project, and address any concerns or questions they may have,” says Stephen. “At the end of the day, I take time to debrief with the team, discussing the day’s accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned. I also begin drafting my field notes and reports, documenting the day’s events, findings, and recommendations.”
When Stephen is not working, he spends time with his family and enjoys football.
Being a humanitarian
“I like touching lives and making a difference,” says Stephen, when asked about his motivation to continue working in the humanitarian field despite the challenges. Some of the difficulties Stephen encounters include facing conflict, managing mental health, navigating cultural barriers and staying secure.
“Humanitarians want to make a positive impact on the world and improve the lives of people. They may feel a sense of accomplishment when they see the results of their work, such as when they hear that people they’ve trained used their skills to help others.”
Read more stories from the field here.