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A seasoned humanitarian with over 8 years of experience with CTG, Field Monitor Abdirahman Aden knows the value of actively engaging the communities he works in with genuine empathy.
Abdirahman was nominated by his peers to be recognised as an EPIC Ambassador, representing the value ‘Engage’. Our EPIC values stand for: Engage, Pioneer, Improve, and Care – and Abdirahman embodies the Engage pillar by fostering open communication to drive positive outcomes in Somalia.
Engagement is not just about being present, but truly listening and responding.
Considerate connections
For Abdirahman, the ‘Engage’ value is all about being actively involved and committed to his work, connecting with team members, stakeholders, and the communities he serves. “It’s about understanding their needs, building trust, and fostering open communication to drive positive outcomes,” shares the Field Monitor who holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Mount Kenya University. “Engagement is not just about being present but truly listening and responding in ways that support our mission.”
Engagement is essential to the success of CTG and the wider sector because it builds relationships and collaboration. UNICEF uses the phrase ‘Nothing about us, without us’ to describe the importance of community engagement and how a focus on increasing the participation, collaboration, and voice of communities yields more effective results. As Abdirahman explains, by engaging with communities, workers gain valuable insights into their needs and challenges, which helps them tailor their interventions effectively. For CTG, this value drives us to go beyond the basics of project delivery, ensuring our work has a lasting impact and supports sustainable development. In the humanitarian and development sector, engagement is key to ensuring that our initiatives are relevant, inclusive and impactful.
Engagement in action
As a Field Monitor, a typical working day for Abdirahman is a blend of in-office work and field visits. He coordinates with various stakeholders, conducts field assessments, collects and analyses data, and prepares reports. He also frequently engages with local communities and authorities to monitor ongoing projects, ensuring that his team meets their set objectives and deliverables.
Abdirahman once led a community engagement initiative for a community consultation project in the Badhadhe District in Lower Juba, Somalia that faced resistance from local authorities due to misunderstandings about the project objectives. “I took the time to sit down with key community leaders, explained the client’s goals, and addressed their concerns,” he explains. “By engaging directly and transparently, we were able to build trust, which not only facilitated smoother operations but also improved the quality of the data we collected.”
Guiding future engagement
“My advice would be to always listen first,” says Abdirahman, sharing his advice to colleagues who aspire to ‘Engage’ in their roles. “Understanding the perspectives of those you work with or serve is crucial. Be open, communicate clearly, and be willing to invest time in building relationships. Engagement isn’t just about completing tasks – it’s about making meaningful connections that can drive positive change. Approach every interaction with empathy and a genuine interest in understanding the needs and challenges of others.”