The more you provide support to others, the more contagious it becomes.

Matthieu

Since I was young, my core value has always been about having a sense of purpose. 

I was twenty-four years old when I was hired by the ICRC to work in a role that was split between communications and mine action. For the latter area, I was hired by Ben Lark to work with him in the Weapon Contamination Unit. As part of the implementation of the new ICRC weapon contamination strategy — which aimed to extend beyond landmines — Ben sent me on my first mission to Sri Lanka.

In the Eastern District of Batticaloa, I was going to find out if I would sink or swim. I only ever tried to focus on doing my best and didn’t think about the next steps in my career.It was really about the sense of purpose, being part of something greater towards bringing back humanity at a time where you felt humanity had vanished. Ben trusted me to do this.  When someone trusts you fully, you hold a precious responsibility to honor that trust and you feel ownership.

Later, Ben encouraged me to develop and suggested I do Explosive Ordnance Disposal training. For the different phases of your life, you need someone who sees you and gives you the chance to grab hold of those first experiences allowing you to broaden your network, learn and take on challenges. Ben gave me access to discover the mine action world and he’s been my mentor ever since. Since then, I've tried to do the same with the people that surround me. The more you provide support to others, the more contagious it becomes. It ripples throughout, inspiring individuals to do the same.

 

#TogetherAgainstMines