Making a Difference, One Life at a Time: A Humanitarian's Calling
Lenybeth Magoliman, our finance and administration officer in the Philippines Country Team, finds her true calling in the heart of non-profit work. Currently based in the Philippines, her journey is a testament to compassion and dedication.
Early Life and Inspiration
“When working at a non-profit organization, you’re looking at the output of the project and the direct impact on the community served", says Lenybeth, it’s been 17 years since she started her journey in the non-profit sector.
Lenybeth grew up in the province of Negros Occidental in the Philippines where the sugarcane industry is the backbone of the province, and her upbringing in this environment instilled in her a strong sense of community and a desire to help others.
Path to Non-Profit Work
Growing up amidst the sugarcane fields of Negros Occidental, Lenybeth developed a deep-rooted connection to her community. This environment nurtured in her a spirit of empathy and a desire to uplift those around her. A pivotal moment arrived during high school when she first encountered the power of non-profit work. Her school's unique transportation service, made possible by Terre des Hommes, was a lifeline for many students living far from campus. Witnessing this firsthand ignited a spark within her, a realization of the disparities that existed beyond her immediate world. “It developed that kind of awareness that there are disadvantaged people who need help from other people,” she recalls.
Lenybeth’s interest in numbers coupled with her passion for the narratives concealed within the data led her to pursue a degree in Accountancy. This passion also drew her to non-profit work, where her skills could be applied to create meaningful change. Her journey started with working at a local NGO. Then she joined the World Fair Trade Organization Asia, where she focused on farmers' rights, fair trade, and child welfare.
Joining Terre des Hommes
In 2013, Lenybeth joined Terre des Hommes Netherlands in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. The organization was in the midst of a monumental relief effort, and Lenybeth's financial expertise proved invaluable. “It was a very busy day for the organisation,” she recalls, “I was involved in developing an emergency budget to outline the projected cost of the response.” Those initial weeks were a whirlwind of activity as she worked tirelessly to ensure the necessary funds were in place to support the relief operations.
Challenges and Rewards
Balancing the demands of her role with the fulfilment of making a tangible impact, Lenybeth thrives in the dynamic world of non-profit work. She expresses her motivation in work like this, “Working in a non-profit organisation is very fulfilling for me because I am not only financially compensated, but I also work deeper with a sense of purpose and fulfilment as an individual.”
As a finance administration officer, she juggles budgeting, reporting, and proposal development while collaborating closely with program teams. The core value of responsibility resonates deeply with her, driving her commitment to ethical and efficient financial management.
Work-Life Balance
“We have to practice self-care for us to sustain our work. And we have the energy to do all the work that we have because if you are healthy, you can work more efficiently and effectively, allowing you to create a greater impact in whatever you do”, Lenybeth believes in the power of self-care to sustain her work and maximise her impact. When not immersed in her professional life, she finds solace in tending to her plants and spending quality time with her beloved pet dog, Cloudy. Lenybeth particularly enjoys planting orchids, herbs, and vegetables, sometimes, she doesn't even need to buy them from the market.
A Vision for the Future
Her vision extends beyond her current role. Lenybeth envisions a future where small businesses have unhindered access to markets. Inspired by the challenges faced by farmers in her community, she is determined to create a platform that empowers them to sell their products directly to consumers, ensuring fair returns for their hard work, enabling their children to attend school and grow up in a world free from all forms of exploitation.