As a CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer immersed in the heart of a rural community in the Machinga district in Malawi, I have embarked on a profound journey of empowerment and transformation. Over the past months, my role as a community development facilitator has been defined by my commitment to forging a path toward positive change.
At the forefront of this endeavor lies the art of facilitation. Through a series of community meetings, I have had the privilege of guiding my community members through the crucial phase of project Identification. Together, we embarked on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the intricacies of our community’s strengths, weaknesses, and untapped resources.
Central to my approach is the philosophy of Human Centered Design (HCD) and Asset-Based Community Led Development (ABCD). HCD tools like empathy-building conversations, and the Innovator’s Compass, guided me to understand the most pressing challenges that the community is facing. It turned out that most people, especially women, were suffering from financial instability in the community. The community’s economic struggles have been amplified in recent years notably following the devaluation of the Malawian Kwacha currency which significantly worsened the financial stability of its residents. What should we do? Is there a sustainable solution to this challenge? I used to ask myself these questions every day.
Realizing my responsibility as a facilitator, my role is not to dictate solutions, but to catalyze the collective wisdom of the community. This pushed me to organize several community meetings including random conversations with community members to make sure that every voice is heard and every perspective is valued. Through these participatory exercises, I cultivated a sense of ownership and pride among community members, empowering them to take charge of their destinies. However, true empowerment goes beyond mere collection of Ideas; it entails a shift in mindset. With ABCD, I have empowered my community members to see themselves not as passive recipients of aid, but as active agents of change. Each individual is a catalyst for change, contributing their unique talents and insights to the collective journey toward a brighter future.
I have learned that the journey towards positive change is not as smooth as it may look. It requires patience, perseverance, and willingness to embrace uncertainty. Every obstacle I face is an opportunity for me to grow in my mind. A step forward brings us closer to our shared vision of a brighter future.
In the end, the measure of our success lies not in the projects we implement, but in the lives we touch and the villages we empower. As a CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer, I am privileged to be a part of this transformative journey—a journey fueled by hope, driven by compassion, and guided by the collective wisdom of the people. Together, we forge a path toward a future where the community is empowered to shape its destiny, and every individual is empowered to thrive.
