Preparing for the Community Asset Mapping Day in Eregi was both a challenging and rewarding experience for me. Mobilizing the community required clear communication, dedication, and persistence. My goal was to bring community members together to collaboratively identify their local strengths and resources—a crucial first step toward community-led development.
Through household visits, meetings with local groups, and participation in community events, I introduced CorpsAfrica and explained the importance of the mapping day. Each interaction was an opportunity to connect with the community and ensure the message resonated with everyone, regardless of their background or perspective.
Despite receiving positive feedback and assurances of participation, I remained uncertain about the turnout. This anticipation created a mix of hope and apprehension, as the success of the event relied on the collective commitment of the community members.
The mobilization process highlighted the importance of trust and persistence in community engagement. This was a reminder that fostering collaboration takes time but is essential for achieving sustainable development. As the day approached, my excitement about what could be accomplished outweighed the challenges, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of shared effort.