Afghanistan Shouib Jehish

What makes a humanitarian   

I was born in 1989 in Balkh province, Afghanistan, and completed my education at Afghan Turk International High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration (Finance) from B.M.C.C India before completing my master’s in finance and accounting from Balkh University.

I have worked as a lecturer at universities, a Monitoring & Evaluation Officer with a national NGO, and volunteered with charities. Currently, I am delighted to be a part of CTG as a Field Monitor. I am deeply committed to volunteerism and social service. As one of the founders of Nasil Roshan, an organisation focused on assisting vulnerable families and providing educational opportunities to the youth, I have played an active role in supporting those in need.

Working closely with people has always been a source of motivation for me, and I find great fulfilment in my current role. Working as an M&E Officer requires strong independence, teamwork, and excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills. It is essential to approach this work with transparency and accountability: the most important aspect is to remain grounded in humanitarian principles, always finding joy and fulfilment in helping others.

In my free time, I enjoy playing football, reading, listening to music and interacting with people. I find happiness in helping others, and my family has been a great source of support in all my humanitarian activities.

Finding a way

I work in the more geographically challenged provinces of Afghanistan, including the mountainous north-eastern region of Badakhshan. A place where the barter system of trade is still prevalent, Badakhshan is only accessible by foot or animal transportation. In June 2024, I was assigned to conduct a Rapid Assessment data collection in the villages of Mailag and Sherin Nazim in the Shikai district, one of the most isolated and hard-to-reach parts of Afghanistan accessible via a supply road through neighbouring country Tajikistan.

But I was determined to fulfil my mission, so I embarked on a journey that involved two to three days of travel by donkey and on foot to travel between villages, navigating treacherous terrain where rocks cascaded from the mountains and an elevated risk of animal attacks. Once I arrived the enthusiasm from the community made it all worth it!

I encountered communities eager to share their challenges. Lack of access to schools, healthcare facilities, and food insecurity were all prominent concerns. In Shirin Nazim, a resident revealed that they rationed their food carefully due to scarcity, while others faced outright shortages. Witnessing these hardships firsthand strengthened my resolve for food security and zero hunger for all.

Inspired and insightful

My motivation to work in the humanitarian sector stems from a deep desire to help those in need. Being a humanitarian provides me with the opportunity to apply both physical and intellectual efforts to save lives and offer hope to disaster-affected populations. I am particularly driven by the plight of vulnerable families in my region, which motivates me to continue my work.

What truly inspires me is the ability to make a tangible difference in the lives of people who are in difficult situations. The joy and relief I see in their eyes when they receive aid, especially in children and women, is deeply rewarding. Knowing that my work can transform their circumstances fills me with immense pride and satisfaction.

Read more stories from the field here.