The first day I arrived in the community as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The road to Rulindo was familiar yet different; I was not just passing through but stepping into a new chapter of my life—one that would require resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to community service. I knew that this journey would be transformative, not only for the community but also for myself.
From the very beginning, it was clear that this experience would be about more than simply serving; it was about listening. On the second day in the community, I attended Umuganda (community work). After Umuganda, we gathered with community members to introduce ourselves and talk about CorpsAfrica’s mission. The meeting wasn’t just about us telling them what we were there to do—it was a moment of connection, an opportunity to listen to their dreams, challenges, and hopes for the future. What struck me most was how open they were, how eager they were to welcome us, not as outsiders, but as partners in the work ahead.
In my first weeks, I spent hours in one-on-one conversations, walking through the village, participating in every activity community people are involved in, and listening to stories of their achievements and their resilience through challenges. But there were moments when I was met with skepticism and I know trust wasn’t going to be built overnight. Yet, with each conversation, a bridge was formed. Slowly, a mutual understanding emerged: I was not here to impose solutions but to co-create them.
One of the most impactful moments in these two weeks was seeing the Early Childhood Development (ECD) program grow. Initially, only five children were enrolled, and parents seemed unsure about the program’s benefits. Through persistent engagement with families and showing genuine care for the children, I grew the attendance to 11. It may seem like a small number, but every additional child represented a family’s trust in the future of their community. Each new smile that greeted me in the mornings was a reminder of the profound difference that small, consistent efforts can make and I intend to keep on the rhythm.
But it hasn’t been just about these small victories—there have also been more challenging, heart-wrenching moments. Days later, I helped in the construction of a home for a 74-year-old woman who had been living in dire conditions. It was a collaborative effort, with four of my fellow Volunteers pitching in. Building that home wasn’t just about providing shelter; it was about restoring dignity. It was an emotional moment, as she plans to step into her new house soon and save rent money for other development purposes. Her eyes, filled with gratitude, made every sweat-drenched hour worth it.
In between the integration activities, I’ve also had the chance to build kitchen gardens for some community members—another layer of empowerment in building self-sufficiency. These gardens aren’t just about growing food; they are symbols of resilience, providing families with a means to sustain themselves and nourish their future.
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of community. It’s in the collective strength that real change happens. When the created savings groups gather to support each other through financial and livelihood improvement, I am reminded that solutions born within the community are the most sustainable. The groups aren’t just a financial tool; it’s a movement toward independence and strength. These community people are not just saving—they are reclaiming their futures, and their ability to dream beyond limitations while saving intentionally.
This experience has been a journey of growth, not only for the community but also for myself. I came to Rulindo with the hope of making a difference, but what I didn’t realize was how deeply I would be transformed in the process. I’ve learned that development work is not about grand gestures or immediate results—it’s about the daily, sometimes painstakingly slow, the effort of building trust, fostering relationships, and planting seeds for the future.
There are still challenges ahead—issues that can’t be solved in a few months or even a year. But I’ve come to see these challenges as opportunities to learn and grow alongside the people I serve. CorpsAfrica has taught me that leadership is about service, and service is about listening. It’s about walking with people on their journeys, not leading them on a path they didn’t choose.
As I continue this community service, I remain humbled by the strength and resilience of the community members I’ve met. Every day brings new lessons, new stories, and new reasons to keep pushing forward. This is not just a deployment for me—it’s a lifetime of learning packed into a year, and I am grateful for every single moment.
The journey is ongoing, but with each step, I am reminded of the incredible potential that lies in human connection, shared vision, and the power of communities to shape their futures.
