My name is MUKUNDE Lys Gabrielle I want to share my journey into community life;
Two months ago, I began my journey with CorpsAfrica/Rwanda as a trainee. Upon arriving at the training site, I met fellow university graduates who were also there to become CorpsAfrica Volunteers. Our training period was incredible; we had the opportunity to learn from prominent figures in our country who shared valuable insights about community integration and our year of service. Eventually, we took our oath to become CorpsAfrica Volunteers and traveled to our assigned sites the next day.
As we journeyed to our locations, I had mixed emotions. I felt sad about leaving my friends, anxious about moving to an unfamiliar place, and nervous about staying with a host family, where I worried I would feel like an outsider. However, thanks to the training, I embraced the challenge, knowing I would soon adapt. I communicated with my host mother during the trip, and she picked me up at the roadside, arriving at my host family’s home around 3:00 PM. They welcomed me with banana juice, which I loved; it felt serendipitous that they knew I was a fan. There was also a young lady in the family close to my age, which helped me adjust.
That evening, I began tutoring the children in the household after they returned from school. The next morning, we fetched water from a distant, hilly area, and despite my efforts to carry a full jerrycan, I had to pour some out to make it home. Later I also introduced myself to the local leaders at the sector office.
In the following days, life became easier. My host sister and I woke up early to complete household chores, prepare meals, and then venture out to meet people. The community was welcoming, especially since my host family was well-known, which aided my integration. Unfortunately, my host sister was called back to work in Kigali, leaving me to explore the community alone. Thankfully, I had made friends who helped me navigate the area. Our goal was to connect with locals and inform them about CorpsAfrica and the HCD-ABCD approach. We also talked about some initiatives like making kitchen gardens in every household and it sounded interesting to them. As we aim to initiate new projects, I visited those started by previous Volunteers, such as piggery and fish farming. We also explored a beekeeping project.
As time went on, I held meetings with local youth to explain my purpose in their village—promoting job creation and improving livelihoods using available community resources. We formed a youth group, and with a clear understanding of our objectives, they agreed to start saving weekly.
As our two weeks together neared an end, I began preparing my host family for my departure. They were reluctant to see me go but encouraged me to visit anytime. When the time came to leave, they escorted me to the road where I caught a bike to my new location, carrying a small jerry can of banana juice they insisted I take with me.
The day after leaving, I called my host mother to check in, only to learn that a relative was seriously ill. The next morning, she informed me that the person had passed away, so I went to offer my support during this difficult time. My colleagues joined me at the funeral to comfort the family.
During my two-week integration, I visited schools to engage with stakeholders and share our objectives. We aimed to collaborate for the well-being of the students and to help reduce the school dropout rate.
The youth in my community are eager and enthusiastic about working together. The community as a whole is interactive, and many residents have expressed their happiness about the positive changes they’ve noticed since my arrival. My integration is ongoing, and I’m truly grateful for the progress we’re making together.
I love every moment of the experiences I encounter each day.
All thanks to CorpsAfrica I have lived and loved the rural community life!!!!!
#ThisIsCorpsAfrica
#Localshelpinglocals
#TwitangireURwandatutiganda
