In 2022, I took the first step on a path that would eventually lead me to fulfill my passion for rural development through CorpsAfrica. However, that year marked a temporary setback as I was not selected for the program. Undeterred, I continued to follow CorpsAfrica on social media, eagerly anticipating any news of their Volunteer recruitment. My friends had raved about the organization’s mission and vision, a perfect fit for my academic background in Rural Development. It was only a matter of time before my perseverance paid off.
In 2023, my determination bore fruit when I received an announcement from CorpsAfrica Rwanda. Without hesitation, I applied, taking the time to craft thoughtful responses to the essay questions over two days. I used Microsoft Office to ensure my application was well-polished. The waiting period that followed was filled with anticipation, which peaked when I received an email inviting me for an interview on a Friday. I traveled to Kigali with hope in my heart. When the initial emails to successful applicants went out on a Saturday, I wasn’t among the recipients, and a sense of disappointment loomed. However, my hope was rekindled when I received that life-changing email on a Sunday, inviting me to Pre-Service Training at AMAKUZA Resort on August 13, 2023.
Pre-Service Training was a transformative experience, akin to an industry that instilled a deeper love for Rural Communities within me. My background in Rural Development met a new challenge, and the Country Director’s emphasis on discipline became my guiding principle. The six-week training program exposed us to CorpsAfrica’s mission, approach, and the leaders who would be instrumental in our journey. I gained invaluable skills and knowledge relevant to my career in rural development and volunteerism, understanding that we were facilitators, not leaders.
On September 24, 2023, we were placed with host families for a two-week integration period. This was a heart-warming experience as I was embraced by a host mother, a host brother, and a host sister with a hearing and speech disability. My host sister, in particular, became a close friend and taught me sign language, a vital tool for communicating with community members who faced similar challenges. My host mother treated me as her own, providing care and nurturing, even as I facilitated projects like kitchen gardens, plate racks, and clotheslines to enhance their human security.
House smearing/ House Renovation
After the integration period, I embarked on my daily activities as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, now deployed in Ngororero District, Ndaro Sector, Kabageshi Cell, Kandamira village. My journey continues, fueled by passion, dedication, and a profound sense of purpose, serving the community I’ve come to love. CorpsAfrica has not only allowed me to make a difference but has also transformed me into a stronger, more disciplined individual. This is more than just a volunteer experience; it’s a testament to the power of passion and the importance of following one’s dreams.
