Finding CARE's Real-Life Humanitarian Heroes
My name is Hassan Huqa Guyo. I am 32 years old. For over 6 years, I have been a Truck Driver with CARE Kenya in Dadaab Refugee Camp.
1. What does it mean to be a humanitarian worker to you?
I glean with so much joy when I transport basic needs items such as food, dignity kits and household items to the refugee community members and fuel for boreholes for pumping water.
2. Why did you decide to start helping your community– why did you choose to do it, how did you get into it?
The desire to help refugees who lack most of the basic necessities in life even though they are human and are my brothers is what drove me into the humanitarian world.
3. What are some of the biggest challenges and obstacles you have to overcome in your work and the current response? i.e. stigmatization, access difficulties, dangers, lack of support etc.
We experience many challenges in our line of work with the key one being the fear of being attacked by Al Shabaab terrorists or running over improvised explosive device planted by road when transporting the aid items to refugee community. To be honest, at the moment, the overarching fear for now remains contracting Covid-19. To avert this, I am intentional to strictly adhering to the set out guidelines by Ministry of Health in keeping social distance, wearing face masks and sanitising/ washing hands frequently. It is assuring that in some occasions I am escorted to sites to deliver items by designated security escort.
4. What lessons have you learnt along the way?
I have learnt to persevere in the face of challenging working conditions in Dadaab.
5. Has this work or this emergency response changed you in any ways and if so, how?
Yes. 6 years is a long time. To a great extent I have overstayed in Dadaab Refugee Camp which has alienated me from my family in particular since the outbreak of the Covid-19. Additionally, I cannot interact with local community or refugees. But the difference my work makes to humanity as a whole keeps me going.
6. How do you balance your home life and work life? What kind of duties do you still have at home after you clock off from a hard day’s work?
I am a firm believer in the family unit as such I try as much as possible to find time in the evening after work to call and talk to family.
Hassan Guyo refilling fuel tanks at Borehole 02
in Dagahaley Refugee Camp on 10th August 2020
CARE Kenya.