As a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in my community for the past three months, my primary focus has been on honing essential skills—observation and listening. These skills have not only allowed me to understand the unique challenges within my community but have also propelled me to take action in pursuit of positive change. 

During my time here, one glaring issue caught my attention—the hindrance young girls face in accessing sanitary towels. This obstacle not only affects their daily attendance but also perpetuates poor academic performance, menstrual hygiene issues, and the weight of social stigma. Witnessing this struggle left me deeply unsettled, prompting me to ponder ways to address this challenge head-on. 

Driven by empathy, I reached out to friends and well-wishers, rallying their support to make a tangible impact on the lives of these young girls. Together, we embarked on a mission to break down the barriers to menstrual hygiene and eradicate the stigma associated with it. I am immensely grateful to my friends for turning this dream into reality. 

Reflecting on this milestone, I take pride in the positive change we’ve initiated. However, my journey doesn’t end here. I aspire to continue impacting individuals in my community, systematically dismantling obstacles to education and menstrual hygiene. It is my everyday challenge, my anthem, and my commitment: being a community development champion means taking ownership of a foreign community and transforming it into the realization of your dreams. 

I firmly believe that now is the time for action. With each passing day, I am motivated to be the living change I want to see. As I move forward, my dedication to breaking barriers and fostering positive transformation remains unwavering. The journey may be challenging, but as I’ve learned during my time as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, the time we have is now.