Ahmadullah “Ahmed” Kazimi is an Administrative Assistant with the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Afghanistan. His story is a testament to the power of hard work and the right mindset in achieving our dreams.

Your journey with OCHA is rather unique.

It really is. I began in 2014 as a contractor, responsible for maintaining the living spaces for international staff. Simultaneously, I was pursuing an associate's degree in computer science.

In 2017, I transitioned to a fixed contract as an office cleaner, a simple job but one I took immense pride in performing. I never took the opportunity for granted.

In 2021, when the Taliban took control of the country, it was a time filled with fear and uncertainty. However, as they say, the greatest opportunities often arise from the most challenging times. This was certainly true for me.

One day, the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund team faced urgent ICT issues. I had been exposed to IT work thanks to my colleague Ibrahim, from the IM Unit, who had seen potential in me and had encouraged me to study computer science.

So, when the team turned to me, I was able to help. From that day on, they entrusted me with more assignments.

And in 2023, I applied for an Administrative Assistant position. I passed the selection process, and my new journey began.

From cleaning staff to administrative assistant...you must be so proud!

I am incredibly proud and deeply grateful. I owe my success to my colleagues for recognizing my potential and providing me with the opportunities to succeed.

My family's encouragement to keep learning, improving, and growing has been invaluable. Their trust in me gave me the motivation I needed.

Balancing work, family, and studies can be challenging. There is always so much to do, and it can be overwhelming. Staying organized and managing my time well is crucial.

Fortunately, my colleagues' support and kindness make my job—and my life—much easier.

To me, what truly matters is being able to help the people of Afghanistan and contribute to OCHA’s vital work here. It fills me with immense pride as I witness firsthand the difference we make in people's lives.

I truly hope that my story can inspire others to believe in themselves and keep working toward their dreams.