I had my doubts—how would I manage being away from my family and friends for a whole year? Would I be able to adapt to a new culture, speak a new language, and truly connect with the people in a new community? These questions lingered in my mind as I began what would become one of the most transformative experiences of my life. However, upon our arrival (me and colleagues from different countries) at Aeroport International Blaise Diagne in Dakar, my fears began to subside. The warm welcome we received from the CorpsAfrica Senegal staff member, who greeted us with our respective national flags, instantly made me feel at home. It was a small gesture, but it had a big impact, setting a positive tone for the adventure ahead.

We spent a few days in Dakar, which served as a much-needed break for me after completing my service in Rwanda. During this time, my colleagues and I explored some of the city’s remarkable landmarks, such as the Monument de la Renaissance Africaine, and I enjoyed the serene beauty of the Atlantic Ocean Beach in most of my evenings in Dakar. After our brief stay in Dakar, we were deployed to various villages for community-based training. This phase felt like I was going on a real battlefield but on the other hand, we needed to immerse ourselves in the local culture and language. I was sent to Thienaba Village in the Thies region, where I was hosted by a wonderful family. They welcomed me as one of their own, even giving me the name “Bouya Daff” after the younger brother of my host father. This gesture made me feel like I was no longer just a guest but a true member of the family. In Thienaba, my daily routine involved participating in the community’s activities as if I were a native resident. I accompanied my host family in their daily tasks and spent my evenings with my fellow volunteers, where we practiced speaking Wolof, the language spoken by the majority of Senegalese people. I recall a time during my stay in Thienaba when I felt emotionally down, overwhelmed by homesickness, and missing my family back home. My host brothers and sisters noticed my mood and went out of their way to cheer me up with kind words and encouragement. They also took this opportunity to teach me new vocabulary in Wolof, introducing me to phrases like “Nanga def?” (How are you?), “Yangi ci jamm?” (Are you at peace?), and many others. This simple yet profound act of kindness not only lifted my spirits but also helped me bond more closely with my host family.

These 40 days in the community were transformative, helping me to fully embrace the culture and way of life in Senegal. I am also incredibly grateful to my fellow Exchange Volunteers for making this journey so enriching and for being such a supportive and cohesive team, looking back on our last day in Thienaba where we gathered at one host family to prepare Fattaya (Senegalese doughnut) and fresh juice. After that, we visited each of our host families and shared our art of hand as a sign of appreciation for hosting us. As I write this article, we are currently undergoing Pre-Service Training (PST), where I have reunited with local Volunteers. This training is an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the work ahead and to prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Looking back on my journey so far, I am filled with gratitude for the experience. The decision to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the unknown has been one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. As I prepare to continue my service in Senegal, I am hopeful that the skills and knowledge I gain here will enable me to make a meaningful impact in the communities I serve. I am also deeply thankful to CorpsAfrica for providing me with this incredible opportunity. The model of community-based training used by CorpsAfrica/Senegal deserves a 5-star ranking, and I look forward to what the future holds as I continue my journey as an exchange volunteer here on the land of Teranga.

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