One ordinary evening, I received a call from an unfamiliar number. Curious, I answered. The first words I heard were, “Unajua kuunda keki?” (Do you know how to bake a cake?). I instinctively replied, “Yes,” though uncertainty immediately crept in. I asked who was calling, and she responded, “Ni rafiki” (It’s your friend). It dawned on me—it was the village shopkeeper, whom I affectionately call “friend.”We discussed the ingredients needed for baking and set a time to make the cake. After hanging up, doubt lingered in my mind. Do I know how to bake a cake? I recalled our training manager’s constant advice: “Do no harm to the community.” In this case, “harm” could mean either burning the cake or leaving it under-cooked.

Determined to avoid embarrassment, I bought the ingredients and decided to practice baking on my own. To my surprise, the cake turned out amazing! With renewed 

confidence, I felt ready to bake my friend’s cake. When the big day arrived, everything went smoothly. As the cake was baked, we chatted about life in the village. The sweet aroma filled the room, and before long, the cake was ready. It came out beautifully—no cracks like my practice attempt. My friend was thrilled with the result, but she had one more request: could I decorate it for her son’s birthday? I froze. Were we ever taught how to decorate cakes? The answer was no. Should I admit that I didn’t know how? Then, I remembered the Asset-Based Community Development. 

(ABCD) approach we use as CorpsAfrica Volunteers. It teaches us to utilize available resources creatively.

On the table, I noticed milk, chocolate, and sugar—simple ingredients that sparked an idea. With some improvisation, I created a charming decoration that made the cake birthday-ready. The joy on my friend’s face was priceless. Not only had she learned a new skill, but her son’s birthday was set to be unforgettable. For me, the experience was even more meaningful. I discovered a hidden aspect of myself: when I push myself beyond self-doubt, I am capable of far more than I imagine.

That day, a cake became more than just a dessert—it became a symbol of growth, creativity, and confidence.