In July 2024, I embarked on my journey as an Exchange Volunteer from Uganda to Senegal. I was ready to embrace a new culture and serve a community I had never met.

The hardest obstacle I had to overcome was the language barrier. Furthermore, the hot conditions and different diets tried my resolve to serve. Drawing from the training in culture, resilience and flexibility, I had to quickly adjust my mindset to quickly adapt. The language teachers did an amazing job in preparing us for community and culture. Moreover, fellow Volunteers from Senegal provided me with enough support to be immersed in the culture. The knowledge and skills I acquired through Human Centred Design, Asset Based Community Development, Community Led Development and using the Innovators compass further helped to cement my capacity.

After training, I was posted in Kaolack, Nioro district in Keur Bamba Thiam, a rural community bordering the Gambia. I had to be very responsive to the cultural differences for instance not shaking women’s hands in greeting.  Community members try to pronounce my name “Niwamanya” which kinda gives me a tongue twist. Such jokes and light moments make me feel a part of the community and provide psychological safety for me. This has facilitated my work including establishing Village Savings and Loans Associations for women, playing football with young people and other integration activities.

I have learnt to depend on others for support, embrace new cultures, and foods and be willing to adapt. I have improved my problem-solving skills. Working in a new environment with limited resources encourages innovative thinking and quick decision-making. I have learnt to be resilient because of the challenges I have faced. I have developed my inner strength and capacity to persevere under unfamiliar and difficult circumstances.