I have been working with REACH in Jordan for a little over two years now. I felt like I could offer valuable contextual knowledge as I am from Irbid, a city which was one of the first to host Syrian refugees and which continues to host the most number of refugees in Jordan. Additionally, my background is similar to that of the refugees (I come from a farmer and Bedouin community) and thus I have been able to appreciate how Syrians might perceive the various different challenges they face. Most of the skills I have now are because of working with REACH. I learned the importance of good quality research in the humanitarian sector. Good interventions rely on knowing who is affected, where they are most affected and the best way to proceed. REACH provides the answers to these questions and really makes an impact on improving humanitarian work in Jordan by ensuring that resources are used to meet the people most in need.

Working for REACH has allowed me to learn so much more about my country and how it has been affected by the Syrian crisis. It is exciting and fulfilling to see how REACH research translates into better humanitarian and development action in the country. I am also inspired and motivated when I hear about REACH’s quick response to crises in other countries. I have learned so much while working for REACH and I hope to continue working with REACH in Jordan to keep learning more!