The second part of 2009 took me to Myanmar, where I joined Oxfam to support the country during a complex emergency. It was a challenging yet profoundly meaningful deployment, addressing critical humanitarian issues in a nation grappling with the aftermath of Cyclone Nargis and the systemic marginalisation of vulnerable populations. Humanitarian Work in Myanmar While the head office was based in Yangon, our projects spanned two significant regions: 1. Labutta Region: Located in the Irrawaddy Delta, this area was among the hardest hit by Cyclone Nargis in 2008. Our work focused on helping communities recover and rebuild after the devastating impact of the storm. Projects included: • Rehabilitation of livelihoods, supporting farmers and fisherfolk whose means of income had been wiped out. • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation facilities to prevent disease outbreaks. • Disaster preparedness: Working with communities to build resilience against future climatic shocks. 2. The Bangladesh Border: In this region, we worked with the Rohingya communities, addressing the acute needs of this heavily marginalised population. The challenges were immense, including widespread poverty, limited access to basic services, and systemic discrimination. Our efforts aimed to provide immediate humanitarian assistance while advocating for more sustainable solutions to improve their living conditions. Inspired by Soe’s Brilliance One of the most inspiring aspects of my time in Myanmar was working alongside my Myanmar colleague, Soe. She was an ambitious and talented professional whose dedication to her work was truly remarkable. Soe’s leadership and innovative thinking played a crucial role in the success of our projects, and she quickly became someone I deeply admired. Her journey didn’t stop there. Soe later secured a scholarship to study in the United States, where she excelled, further honing her skills and expanding her expertise. Today, she works for the United Nations in Vanuatu, focusing on climate change adaptation solutions for vulnerable communities. Knowing her story is a reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and education to transform lives and make an even greater impact on the world. My deployment to Myanmar was a powerful experience, not only for the work we undertook but for the lessons it taught me about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of local leadership. The people we served, particularly in the Labutta region and among the Rohingya communities, faced unimaginable challenges, yet their strength and courage in rebuilding their lives were deeply inspiring. Working with incredible colleagues like Soe was another highlight of this mission. Her dedication and success stand as a testament to the transformative impact of opportunity and empowerment. Myanmar, with its complex beauty and profound challenges, left an indelible mark on my journey as a humanitarian.