Written by CorpsAfrica/Ghana Volunteer, Rahinatu Mohammed

My thoughts on being deployed to my community began during the last week of Pre-Service Training (PST). I was looking forward to the community experience and at the same time, I was anxious about what it would be like. An inner voice kept on assuring me that it would be fine especially since I had had my Third Trimester Field Practical Program in the university. The day finally arrived and I made all the necessary preparations as I waited for the Volunteer Liaison Officer’s call. Around 10 am on the 6th of January, I was picked up from the house. We then went round to pick up the remaining Volunteers. Gradually, the bus was filled with the other Northern Volunteers. We started our journey to drop the Volunteers in the Tamale Metro District since it was closer to Tamale and I was the first to be dropped off. We met the assemblyman who led us to the chief. We met his elders and they informed us that they had prepared a room for me in the chief’s palace. They cleaned the room for me and helped me unpack. Later in the evening, I was introduced to the chief and his family.

The next day, I decided to go around the community to interact with the people. I entered several houses to introduce myself and explain the mission of CorpsAfrica. Some of the community members thought I was giving out loans, but after explaining what we do, they were excited and told me they would give me their support. They also advised me to be patient with them.

As part of my integration, I began teaching in the community basic school. I had some activities with the students so I could get to know them better. I also interacted with the weavers, seamstresses, and the Village Savings and Loans Group. On weekends, I followed some of my host sisters to the community dam to wash our clothes and I also helped my host mother sell her food.

So far, my life in the community has been amazing. The people are hospitable and they always try to make life comfortable for me.  I have improved my communication and public speaking skills as well as the ability to interact with people and teach in the basic school.
I’m grateful for this journey and I look forward to more beautiful experiences with my community members.