Where Purpose Meets People

Working in humanitarian sector is a privilege — a commitment to serve, to make a difference. But over time, many of us begin to feel something shift. We become deeply absorbed in the demands of the system: paperwork, meetings, reports, proposals, budgets, databases, matrices. People slowly turn into “beneficiaries.” Aid becomes “activities.” We start measuring our success in deadlines met, reports submitted, funds spent — rather than lives touched or voices heard.

We do have impact. Let me be clear: I’m not undermining the importance or value of our work. The programs we implement change lives. But I’m speaking from the perspective of a humanitarian — a person — who feels the slow and subtle drift away from human connection. Over time, we begin to feel more like managers of process than witnesses to transformation. Our language becomes technical. Our energy goes into metrics. Our hearts, though still caring, feel distant.

We need to reconnect — not just with people, but with our purpose. With empathy. With humanity.

Lately, I’ve been coaching young people — helping them understand their limitations, guiding them to shape their projects, and supporting them as they challenge the false beliefs that hold them back. Each encounter moves me. I’ve had the honor of spending time with incredible individuals on a daily basis, hearing their stories, their struggles, their resilience. And in these moments, I feel reconnected. I see the human being, not a statistic. I see growth, not just output.

This work gently brings me back to the heart of why I began this journey. It’s never been just about the job — it’s about the people, the presence, the shared humanity in every conversation and quiet breakthrough. In a world that often rushes past connection, we need to remember what it means to truly see one another. That’s where purpose meets people — and where we, as humanitarians, find our way back to ourselves.