In the quiet village of Kercheche, located in the Wolaita Zone of southern Ethiopia, life flows at its own gentle pace. Here, time is shaped by tradition, community, and the rhythms of daily life. For Surafel Daniel, a dedicated volunteer with CorpsAfrica, this was a place where patience and understanding were key. He had come to Kercheche to help the community using a tool called the Innovator’s Compass, which encourages people to work together to solve problems and plan for the future.

The day of the community meeting had arrived, and Surafel was excited to guide the group in identifying their challenges and brainstorming solutions. But as the hours went by, no one showed up. In Kercheche, community life doesn’t always follow a strict schedule, and Surafel knew this. He stayed patient, understanding that real change takes time and trust.

Eventually, people began to arrive, and Surafel welcomed them with a smile. He was grateful they had come, even if it was late. He knew this was part of the process and was ready to meet them where they were, both in time and in spirit.

When the meeting finally started, something special happened. The community members, despite the delay, jumped into the activity with energy and focus. Together, they talked about their biggest challenges, shared ideas, and came up with creative solutions. Everyone had a chance to speak, and the discussions were full of hope and determination. Surafel was inspired by their unity and willingness to work together.

By the end of the meeting, it wasn’t the lateness that stood out to Surafel—it was the strong sense of teamwork and shared purpose. The community left feeling more connected and with a clear plan for the future.

But this was just the beginning. Surafel, the community, and the CorpsAfrica team continued to work together. During a later visit, the community proudly shared how he had transformed their way of thinking about problem-solving. He guided them in identifying their needs and prioritizing their projects, showing them a new way to approach challenges. They had already started collecting money—around 40,000 ETB—to build a new classroom for the local school. They were also committed to raising more funds to finish the project. The community deeply admired his brilliance and leadership. They said that even though Surafel would leave in six months, the knowledge he shared would stay with them forever.

This journey showed the power of patience, persistence, and belief in the community. Surafel’s ability to adapt and respect the community’s way of life helped create a strong foundation for change. Together, they took the first steps toward a brighter future, proving that when people come together, they can achieve great things.