Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Jailos Ghambi

Many people think it is just impossible to live in under-developed rural areas since modern city life can provide a person with almost everything that one could imagine. This was part of my perception after I had tasted the sweetness of city life. And now to be told that my service as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer will require me to live in a remote, high-poverty community. It’s been exactly a month since l arrived at my site, welcomed by heavy rainfall. I felt nervous, shaken, and terrified. Why?

I am in a strange community which is going to be my home for the next six months. Here they speak a language that is not my mother tongue and have a different cultural background from mine. However, I also feel excited, anxious, and curious for I remembered that I am a change maker, facilitator and a catalyst for sustainable development. In addition, I recalled that I am a Spartan! A warrior who never gives up but fights until the end of the battle.

I was born and raised in the village, and on other hand, I have also spent time in the city because that’s where I did my whole education! What a mixed life style.  I have arrived at my lost home.  Why lost? I left village life sometime back and I have tasted the sweetness and luxurious city life full of interesting things, a place where everyone dreams to stay. But now back to my village!
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Villages preserve our national customs and traditions. A village is a perfect place to live if you are in search of harmony with nature. People have everything for their minimum requirements of life. Villagers are satisfied with the necessities of their living. They are always provided with fresh fruits, vegetables, water and clean air free from pollution. It is simplicity, natural beauty and tranquility that makes rural life unique and special. This has reminded me that and I am pleased to say ‘the lost home has been found’ where this Spartan warrior is going to manifest, catalyze and facilitate sustainable development for his people.