As a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, one of my most transformative experiences was attending a recent In-Service Training with my fellow volunteers and their counterparts. This training wasn’t just a series of presentations. It was a reminder of why development work matters, and how real change begins when we truly listen to the communities we serve.
It hit me the moment I stepped into the room: this wasn’t just about us presenting problems. It was about uncovering the heart of the solutions that are already within the communities we work with. We each presented the most pressing needs from our areas, but the focus wasn’t simply on identifying challenges. It was about finding what was feasible, desirable, and most importantly, sustainable for the people who live there every day.
For me, the biggest takeaway was how essential it is to truly understand the community’s perspective before jumping into problem-solving. It’s not enough to assume we know what’s best. The people who live in these communities are the true experts of their environment, their culture, and their needs. And their input should shape every step of the development process.
One example that particularly resonated with me came from a fellow Volunteer whose community had been struggling with unreliable water access. Instead of immediately suggesting an external solution, they spent weeks listening to the local population: What kind of water sources did they currently have? What were their thoughts on sustainability? Who could be involved in maintaining the project? By shifting the focus to understanding local perspectives, the Volunteer was able to propose a solution that was not only practical but also embraced by the community for long-term success.
It was a powerful reminder that solutions need to come from a place of collaboration. I learned that development isn’t about coming in as the “saviour” with a quick fix; it’s about becoming a partner in change. The more we understand the community’s culture, traditions, and strengths, the better equipped we are to create a solution that will last.
As I reflect on this experience, I realize how much I’ve grown in my understanding of development work. True sustainability comes from listening, understanding, and respecting the voices of those we serve. And as we move forward with our projects, I’m reminded that the key to success is not just identifying a need, but identifying a solution that works because the community owns it.