Afghanistan Mohammad Awlia Noorzai

Mohammad, born in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, completed his high school education in 2009 at Ghazi Abdullah Khan High School before moving to India for higher studies. In 2015, he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Bangalore University, and the following year, earned a diploma in International Relations from New Delhi.  

His career has always been focused on humanitarian and development work: he worked for a year as a UNHCR team leader on a protection project, two years as a field officer with UN-DRC-DDG, focusing on risk education, and four years as a database officer with UN-Habitat in Kandahar under the MGSP program. Now, he works as a DTM Flow Monitoring Enumerator in his hometown.

Data for development

As a Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) Flow Monitoring Enumerator, Mohammad collects and analyses data on human mobility, migration, and displacement. His responsibilities include conducting interviews, observing and recording movement patterns, demographics, and transportation methods, and coordinating with local stakeholders to facilitate data collection and report findings.  

“Being on the ground allows me to collect vital data that informs humanitarian responses and helps ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most,” says Mohammad. “My favourite part might be the human connection – listening to people’s stories, understanding our challenges, and knowing that the information I gather contributes to improving our lives. It’s fulfilling to be part of a system that not only tracks population movements but also supports vulnerable communities by providing accurate and timely data for better decision-making.”  

Much of his time is spent out in the field, engaging with migrants and displaced people, which, according to him, is one of the most fulfilling aspects of his job: “I feel a deep sense of purpose and satisfaction in serving vulnerable people and contributing to their well-being. Each interaction reinforces my commitment to making a positive difference and strengthens my dedication to humanitarian values.”  

A source of inspiration

“I have been working with humanitarian organisations for around 12 years, and my dedication to humanitarian work reflects my deep commitment to serving vulnerable communities and making a meaningful difference in their lives,” shares Mohammad. “The most inspiring aspect of my journey is the satisfaction I feel in helping those in need, knowing that my efforts bring comfort and hope to people facing difficult circumstances. 

“We continue to work with dedication and honesty to support our nation. As humanitarian workers, our commitment to serving vulnerable communities remains steadfast. Every day, we strive to provide essential assistance and uphold the dignity of those who are suffering. The challenges are immense, but our resolve to help our people and bring hope during these dark times remains stronger than ever. 

“Beyond the immediate impact, my work is also a source of spiritual fulfilment, as caring for the most vulnerable is a value deeply cherished in many faiths, including Islam. The belief that such acts of kindness are rewarded both in this life and the hereafter serves as a powerful motivation, aligning my work with a higher purpose.” 

For aspiring humanitarians, Mohammad says that it’s important to lead with compassion, listen to communities with respect, and always act with honesty and integrity. Most importantly, he says that keeping a strong sense of purpose – knowing that your work brings hope and helps rebuild lives – will keep you motivated, even in tough situations. 

Reading a book and doing a workout are some of the ways Mohammad balances relaxation with his busy work life: “Being prepared and physically fit also allows me to perform my daily tasks effectively and meet the demands of my role as a humanitarian worker.” He also enjoys browsing the internet to learn new things.   

Read more stories from the field here.