Some people think the life of a humanitarian development worker is a bed of roses. Some others say development workers are happy because their office is “ww” which means “wallowing wealth”.

Unfortunately, this is not so. And I know whereof I speak because I have been a humanitarian development worker (community development worker) for six years. As a development worker, you are apt to face many problems that go with your position. You will encounter different situations that need your full attention. You are apt to meet people with different characteristics, people of varied values and superiors with different attitudes. You are apt to success and failures but these are just natural.

Your job involves the transfer of information, skills and values to attain individual, community or national goals. You have to coordinate with organizations, both government and private, that possess services, skills and resources that would effectively facilitate effective outcome of your projects. Also, you can be tapped as a resource person to render your extension services through lectures, seminars and demonstrations. You are considered as a leader in community projects.

As a leader, you command respect among the community constituents looked upon as person of authority who can help them bring about functional change in group performance. You have to establish rapport with the client system and the whole community. You have to get the confidence of people. The problem of the entire program lies on your shoulder. However, this is a challenge to everyone who wants to be a development worker. Don’t be discouraged by what you read or hear as to the complexities and difficulties that beset a humanitarian development worker. Life is how we make it so take it as an inspiration and try your best to rise from the ranks. Zeal, industry and dedication are the best weapons that a development worker should possess.

So, are you the one who shuns away from responsibilities? If your response is yes, then you are not suited for the job of a development worker. But if you are daring fellow who takes challenges as inspiration, the humanitarian development worker’s job is waiting for you.