Walking Alongside Communities in Humanitarian Development

Case 1: Ms. Minji Choi – Walking Alongside Communities in Humanitarian Development

Country Director, Korea Food for the Hungry International (KFHI) – Tanzania

Walking With Communities: In the complex and deeply human world of international humanitarian development, few voices resonate with the authenticity and clarity of Minji Choi. With years of on-the-ground experience and a background in social welfare, Choi offers valuable insights into what it means to truly walk alongside communities in need. In this interview, she reflects on her journey, the challenges and triumphs of her work, and what it takes to thrive in this demanding yet rewarding field.

Initially aspiring to be a documentary filmmaker, Choi’s path shifted after majoring in social welfare. Her desire to walk with communities, rather than simply observe them, drew her into NGO work—a journey she frames as faith-led and deeply relational.

For Choi, development is not about scale or speed, but about depth—changing mindsets and empowering self-belief. This process is slow and often invisible, yet it is the essence of sustainable transformation.

Her passion is rooted in being present, sincere, and committed. Witnessing even small shifts in community attitudes fuels her belief in long-term change.

Advice to Future Workers: Sincerity, patience, and people-centeredness are non-negotiable. This field requires emotional resilience and a willingness to grow alongside the communities one serves.

Advisory to Youth:

“Don’t ask ‘Where do I want to work?’—ask ‘What kind of work do I want to do?’ That clarity will naturally lead you to the right place.”

More Talks with Her : https://a.co/d/3YBi19C