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South Sudan Katerina Nyabuol Yoah

Library Facilitator 
A Day In The Life Of CTG Staff
Katerina Nyabuol Yoah
I will continue contributing to the delivery of services to those that need it.

One book at a time

“Before joining CTG as a Library Facilitator, I worked with Nonviolent Peaceforce as a caseworker in the Rubkona County of Unity State and as a nutrition assistant with World Relief. I’ve acquired a vast knowledge since joining, as books are available to me in the library,” shares Katerina. “I’ve also acquired good experience facilitating library activities, like seating arrangements for pupils, and organising shelves in the library.”   

“We work in shifts, so when it is my shift I get to work on time and make sure to respect all rules and regulations,” explains Katerina, who is responsible for opening the library on time, ensuring the library is always clean and monitoring readers to make sure that no books are taken off the premises.  

Punctuality is everything to Katerina – she needs to be at the library before the school day starts, so she can get it ready and open for students and other visitors to begin their reading. She knows how important it is for the community to access the library, and, in turn, how important her own role is in the development of her fellow camp members: “Therefore I will continue contributing to the delivery of services to those that need it,” she says. 

Women at work

Beyond the everyday challenges of working life, Katerina acknowledges that her role may not be well received by all those in her community due to her gender. “Families are, at times, suspicious of girls who work,” she shares. “When I am at work, my family may think that I am somewhere with friends, which is not the case. It becomes difficult if one of my colleagues is late as I cannot get home on time.”

Nevertheless, Katerina continues with her work because of the value it provides to society at large: “Humanitarian work is very important to save the lives of vulnerable communities and people affected by all forms of disasters.” When she’s not helping at the library, Katerina does work across the home and visits her friends and relatives.

Humanitarian work is very important to save the lives of vulnerable communities and people affected by all forms of disasters.

For tomorrow 

Katarina is hopeful for the future of South Sudan: “My aspirations are of a peaceful nation where everybody lives without fear of intimidation or harassment.”

“I encourage anyone who is dedicating their time to pursuing their career in the humanitarian sector to push forward to achieve their dream of supporting vulnerable people.”

Read more stories from the field here