I am an Exchange Volunteer and I like it. My name is Alexis Irandukunda an Exchange Volunteer with CorpsAfrica/Uganda. Born and raised in Rwanda, I graduated from the Catholic University of Rwanda. In 2023, I applied to be a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Rwanda. I became a Volunteer and enrolled for the amazing Pre-Service Training (PST). After a year of service in Musange Sector, Jenda Cell, Nyakibungo Village, I was chosen to serve as an Exchange Volunteer in Uganda. Initially, I didn’t realize how significant this opportunity would be until this time.

Let me share my first day as an Exchange Volunteer in the Pearl of Africa. On June 8th, 2024, I had a flight scheduled for 18:55 Rwandan time. I arrived at the airport at 14:30 with my friend and enjoyed taking photos. I mistakenly thought check-in would only take an hour. When I reached the gate, the officer me asked about my tardiness. Fidgeting, I explained that I didn’t know about check-in procedures. “Please don’t forget I am a first-time traveler.”

Entering a plane for the first time, I asked a flight attendant about my seat. I held hope that I would be getting a window seat to capture videos of the beautiful view. True to my hope, I took the window seat only that it was not meant to be mine. However, the Rwandan doctor who was supposed to sit there kindly let me stay. I was amazed by the whole flight experience, expecting a challenging departure and landing but very smooth on the contrary.

The real challenge came after leaving the kind doctor and searching for my luggage. I went to the wrong area at the airport and waited for a long time without receiving my bag. Eventually, one of the airport workers found it for me and laughed when I explained my mistake. I had been waiting at the point where passengers from America arrived instead of the Rwanda section. I retrieved my bag and received a call from the CorpsAfrica/Uganda Country Director thereafter. The Country Director picked me up from the Airport and took me to the hotel.

Having received the much-needed rest the following morning, I joined the Country Director and another staff member for lunch. It was a beautiful moment. Later, I visited the CorpsAfrica/Uganda office where I got to know more about the operations and activities. I have heightened my expectations. As an Exchange Volunteer, I am anticipating learning and getting to know more about Uganda’s language and culture while I adopt good practices. Similarly, I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge, skills, and experiences. Moreover, I am eager for the new friendships and relationships I will build with my fellow Volunteers and the locals. Then again, I expect to develop my leadership, resilience, and professional skills too. Indeed, I can say that being an Exchange Volunteer is one of the best things that has happened to me as an African youth and young leader.

Soon, I will be in the community, and I am eager to share my experiences with you! Watch out for my LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter content at Alexis Iradunkunda.