The United Nations designated this day to pay homage and disseminate the work accomplished by thousands of humanitarian workers worldwide
On 19 August 2003 a United Nations Headquarters was, for the first time, directly and violently attacked. It happened in the Canal Hotel in Bagdad, where 22 UN workers lost their lives. In honor of the thousands of humanitarian workers who dedicate their lives to try and improve the lives of others, the United Nations General Assembly agreed to commemorate and raise awareness on this important work every 19 August.
Dianova's Humanitarian Reception Center (Spain)
The Dianova Spain’s Humanitarian Reception Center provides urgent humanitarian assistance with the goal of mitigating the vulnerability of recent immigrants by providing accommodation, food and coverage of basic needs and equipping them with social tools in order to help them integrate society.
Humanitarian workers are the first to provide support in places affected by catastrophes; they often face devastating situations while risking their lives and physical integrity to bring aid to the neediest. Humanitarian aid is constituted by highly skilled professionals who develop their work as an individual choice, with conviction and commitment. The employees who work every day in Dianova's humanitarian reception center have the very same profile: supportive, committed, and devoted to their job and to people in need.
The Dianova Spain association (Asociación Dianova España) and Dianova International join this homage to all those who dedicate their lives to helping others in emergency situations, and recognize their important work.
Some of the Professionals of Dianova's Humanitarian Reception Center
Debora Franco Majado, social worker: "The immigration issue has always caught my attention, I have worked in this area before and I found it professionally fulfilling. After some years working in the addiction sector, it is very rewarding to work again with immigrants and more specifically in humanitarian aid.”
Karim Carreau, reception and care for immigrants: “I was motivated by the group at which the project is targeted, partly because as an immigrant I empathize with their problems and I want to help them directly. When given a choice, my priority is direct attention. "
Oumar Sarr, Spanish teacher: "My job as a teacher consists in giving Spanish classes to our beneficiaries. Once we have determined each one's level, we organize various groups (literacy and Spanish for beginners). We also teach them Spanish culture and history, and collaborate in the translation of documents. I am also responsible for contacting Africa to process documents and facilitate transfers."
Mayte Helguera Fuentes, psychologist: “Working at the Dianova’s Humanitarian Reception Centre is a live experience that changes you: every day you face personal and professional challenges which are a development opportunity in all respects. Let me recall a sentence that someone told me a while ago: a job that only offers you money is a poor job… More than a way of living, working at the Center is a genuine gift.
- Testimony by Amosa
- Opening of Dianova's Humanitarian Center (September 2014)
- Interview by Mathilde, Social worker at Dianova's center