“The deepest craving of the human spirit is to find a sense of significance and relevance.” – Dr. Myles Munroe.
At its core, a deep sense of significance is about feeling purposeful, fulfilled, and connected to something meaningful. My CorpsAfrica volunteering for the past seven months has been a testament to contributing to the betterment of society through interventions we have undertaken.
For instance, we had a sector-specific activity on Mbeya organic fertilizer making to address the challenge of exorbitant fertilizer prices and promote the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Some of the beneficiaries used this invaluable skill to make and apply organic fertilizer in their fields. Recently, one farmer who is a beneficiary of the Mbeya fertilizer-making training visited me to express his gratitude and share the fresh maize he harvested in his field after applying Mbeya fertilizer, which brought significant improvement in his production.
He explained to me that this skill helped him a lot as he was not able to secure inorganic fertilizers, and his hope of harvesting enough maize this year was fading. This gave me the feeling of making a tangible difference in the lives of others, fostering a profound sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connection. Additionally, looking at the tremendous impact of other initiatives I undertook such as teaching, youth developmental training, tree planting, and community meetings has given me a feeling of being part of positive change as the community addresses its challenges.
By stepping outside of my comfort zone and engaging with people from different cultures in Nyundo, I have gained a greater understanding of the challenges facing communities and developed a deeper appreciation for the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, as well as the impact made with interventions implemented in addressing some of the challenges facing the community.
Perhaps the most important thing CorpsAfrica volunteerism offers to volunteers is the profound sense of personal fulfilment and significance when Volunteers witness the impact of the initiatives they undertake to solve some of the community’s most pressing challenges. Knowing that you have contributed to something greater than yourself, that you have made a positive impact, is a deeply rewarding experience. The act of volunteering not only benefits those in need but also enriches the lives of the volunteers themselves, offering a deep sense of significance and purpose.
