Nothing satisfying like serving the nation through volunteerism.

September 26, 2024, was a day that stood out from all others during my time with CorpsAfrica. It was the Thursday following the Swearing-In Ceremony for the new cohort of CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Volunteers Cohort 6. Like everyone else, I was filled with excitement and anticipation to meet my host family. I packed my things, said my goodbyes to my fellow Volunteers, and prepared for the journey ahead.

I woke up early at 5:30 AM, organized my belongings, and, along with my fellow Volunteers, waited for the car that would take us to our respective service sites, specifically in Rulindo/Masoro. Saying goodbye to one another was an emotional moment.

At 9:40 AM, we were finally on our way. The CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Country Director reminded us of our core responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of discipline love and respect in our work. “Respect your community, stay disciplined, and nothing will be too difficult. Don’t worry, we are committed to supporting you,” She assured us. At 10:03 AM, the driver started the car, and with one last wave to our fellow volunteers, we set off for Rulindo District, Masoro Sector.

During the drive, we sang morale-boosting songs, shared reflections on our Pre-Service Training (PST), cracked jokes to lift each other’s spirits, and before we knew it, the journey felt much shorter due to our excitement. By 11:00 PM, we had arrived at my new home. My host mother greeted me with warmth and enthusiasm, hugging me tightly and saying that she had prayed for more children, and I was the answer to her prayers. She even prayed for me before we began preparing lunch together.

Soon after, an elderly community member, 85 years old, who had heard about my arrival, came by to greet me. She shared the news with others, saying the visitor they had been waiting for had finally arrived. It was a deeply touching moment.

I had a wonderful conversation with my host mother, filled with laughter and genuine connection. My host family consisted of seven members: five children (three girls and two boys, though one boy is away at boarding school) and two parents. With me joining, there are now eight of us in the family. They are incredibly welcoming, and I already felt like part of the family.

                                              It begun

The sun rose, casting its golden rays across the sky, welcoming me to another new day in my host community. The warmth of the morning reflected a deep sense of belonging I was beginning to feel. I could sense the rhythm of the village—familiar roads, hidden shortcuts—and, most importantly, a feeling that I could no longer get lost in this new world. With each passing day, I grew more attuned to the people and places around me. By the third day, I was already taking part in community integration activities that would leave a lasting impact on me. From participating in public work, helping out on the fields with my host family, to one-on-one visits and youth meetings, my journey had just begun.

The Saturday 28 September 2024 marked my first Umuganda, a cherished community workday when neighbors come together to rebuild and improve the village. Although only about forty people gathered that day out of over a thousand, we rolled up our sleeves to rehabilitate a narrow, weathered road connecting Rusine to nearby schools. On my way to join the group, I passed a woman planting beans in her field. After exchanging greetings, I asked if I could help. She smiled and handed me a handful of seeds. As I bent down to plant, I struggled to keep up, fumbling with the hoe in my hand. To my surprise, the woman watched me, impressed by my determination, and offered gentle guidance. She taught me how to plant more efficiently, and the process, though simple, felt like an important lesson in resilience and community spirit. Small acts like this, I realized, carry a ripple effect that touches more than just the task at hand—they create connections and foster a sense of shared purpose.

There’s something deeply fulfilling about telling a captivating story, one that resonates so strongly with the audience that they’re eager to hear more. In all the communities where CorpsAfrica operates, the pride of being part of the CorpsAfrica family is palpable, and the members are eager to take steps forward together. Putting on a Volunteer T-shirt starting a series of integration activities, including door-to-door visits, assisting in the construction of a community member’s home, creating kitchen gardens and all community work, personal and careerwise development journey begun. 

One of the key approaches CorpsAfrica employs in community development is the use of savings groups. These groups offer community members—both young and old—the opportunity to save money for future needs, while CorpsAfrica Volunteers provide guidance on financial literacy. The goal is to move beyond aimless saving and instead foster intentional financial management. These savings enable people to start small businesses or invest in larger projects, with CorpsAfrica volunteers facilitating the process. Wait! Did I tell you about my first community meeting? How my Rusine villagers and I formed a youth saving group? Be ready for the next part…