In Baidoa, a city in the Southwest state of Somalia, drought, conflict, and displacement are challenges that test people's resilience. Amid this harsh reality, where the sun rises over parched earth, one humanitarian worker finds purpose to create hope for one of the communities in Baidoa.

Meet Omar               

"My name is Omar, and I live in Baidoa, a city in Southwest Somalia. Growing up in a region suited for agriculture, I dreamed of having my own farm, which led me to pursue a higher education in agriculture. However, after graduating, climate change and consecutive droughts made that dream nearly impossible. Seeing many in my community lose their assets to droughts and become displaced inspired me to become a humanitarian worker. I started a degree in social work to better understand the needs of society and how I can help, and that’s how my career began.

How does your day look like?

As a Child Protection and Child Rights Governance (CP/CRG) Programme Officer for Save the Children, my day begins at dawn. By 5 am, I'm awake, whispering a prayer for strength. By 7:30 am, I’m at the office, ready to take on the day's tasks. My work is relentless but crucial, as I oversee child protection and child rights programs. My role isn’t just about managing cases; it’s about bringing the word 'protection' to life in a region where children face unimaginable hardships.

Baidoa is a place of extremes. The flat landscape, with sparse vegetation and rolling hills, offers little relief from the semi-arid climate. Droughts and water scarcity are constant threats, creating a fertile ground for famine and malnutrition, especially among children. Yet, it is the resilience of the community, particularly the children, that fuels my commitment.

I spend my days engaging with the community—visiting child-friendly spaces and schools, supervising ongoing activities, and ensuring that children in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps receive the care and protection they need. It’s in these spaces that I meet children like Amal*, a 13-year-old girl who has already experienced more trauma than most could imagine.

Memorable moments:

Amal*’s story will stay with me forever. I met Amla early 2022 where she fled conflict and arrived at the IDP camp with her younger siblings, with follow displaced people. Her father had recently been killed, and her mother was nowhere to be found after their village was attacked following a clan clash in their home. When we first met, Amal*, she was withdrawn and fearful, her experiences etched into her young face. Through our comprehensive case management, we connected her and her siblings with psychosocial support, medical care, and the safety of child-friendly spaces where trained facilitators where supporting her in these times and the community was there to helping the mother get back to the children. Over time, I watched her transform—her fear slowly replaced by hope and even a hint of joy. It was nothing short of miraculous.

But Amal*’s story is just one of many that I encounter in my daily work. Each day, I meet children and families whose lives have been upended by the relentless crises that plague the city. These encounters remind me of why our work matters, like the story of Farah*, a young boy who found new hope through our educational support.

Farah* had to drop out of school because his family couldn’t afford it due to the drought. When we first met, he was withdrawn, discouraged, and had lost hope for his future. Through our integrated support—connecting his family to livelihood assistance, enrolling him in one of the schools we support, providing him with school supplies, and offering psychosocial counselling—we saw an immediate change in his demeanour. Farah* became more engaged, confident, and eager to return to his studies. The day I saw him proudly walking through the school gates, beaming with excitement, was unforgettable. It was a powerful reminder of the difference education can make in a child's life.

These stories are not isolated cases. One moment that stands out was during a severe drought when we encountered a child-headed household struggling to survive. The family had lost their parents, and the older siblings were left to care for the younger ones. Our team worked tirelessly to provide them with emergency food assistance, connect them to water sources, and facilitate access to psychosocial support. Reaching this remote family and ensuring continuous aid was challenging, but seeing their resilience and determination made it all worthwhile. By working with the community and using our resources, we helped this family overcome the immediate crisis and set them on a path to long-term stability.

Another memory that stays with me is the graduation ceremony for young people who completed our vocational training program. Many of these youths arrived at the start of the program displaced and dejected, their futures uncertain. But on that day, they walked across the stage, certificates in hand, and a skill that could change their lives. It’s moments like these that show the impact of our work—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities.

Challenges and how do you deal with them?

The challenges we face are immense. The combined effects of drought, conflict, and climate change make it difficult to fully implement our programs. Resources are often stretched thin, and the needs are overwhelming. Yet, the moments of success—the smile of a child who feels safe for the first time, the pride of a parent seeing their child thrive—keep us going.

Working in a crisis-affected environment can be emotionally challenging. We witness the suffering and adversity that the community faces, and it’s crucial that my team and I have support systems in place to cope. I find it helpful to have regular debriefing sessions with colleagues, engage in self-care activities like meditation and exercise, and spend time with loved ones to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What do you love most about your work?

What I love most about my job is the connection with the community. There’s a deep sense of fulfilment that comes from working alongside the people of Baidoa, listening to their stories, understanding their struggles, and helping them find a way forward. The collaborative spirit within Save the Children, where everyone is united by a common goal, makes even the toughest days worthwhile.

World Humanitarian Day is a time to reflect on the work we do and the people we serve. For me, it’s a reminder that in the face of difficulties, the resilience of the human spirit shines brightest. Whether it’s a childlike Amal* finding her way back to joy or a community coming together to overcome the challenges of drought and conflict, these are the stories that inspire me to keep going.

In Baidoa, where the sun beats down mercilessly and the challenges are ever-present, the work of a humanitarian is not just a job—it’s a calling. And in every child’s smile, every family’s resilience, I find the strength to continue."

Background / Project information:

The GAASHAN Programme funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is aimed at providing sustainable humanitarian aid and prevention against protection and GBV risks in South Central Somalia, will directly benefit 43,756 individuals, including men, women, boys, and girls, with 5% being people with disabilities, across 18 districts in 9 regions. Additionally, around 117,200 indirect beneficiaries will be reached through advocacy and awareness efforts. The project is implemented by a consortium of organizations: Save the Children as Consortium Lead and organizations like International Rescue Committee, CARE International, Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC), Somali Women and Development Centre (SWDC), Somali Women’s Studies Centre (SWSC), and GREDO.