Volunteering is an interesting journey that opens doors to a rush of different emotions; it takes you through moments of pure joy, self-discovery, and most importantly the beauty of human connection. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the unique beauty of my CorpsAfrica Volunteering journey, exploring the magic that unfolds when you engage with the pure hearts and boundless spirits of children.
Innocence and unfiltered joy
One of the most enchanting aspects of volunteering with children is the unbridled joy they bring. Their laughter, curiosity, and unfiltered expressions of happiness are not only contagious but serve as a simple reminder of the simple, pure joys that life has to offer.
When I first arrived at my site, I had battled with what I was going to engage in during my integration period. During my first week, I remember sitting down with a couple of women under a mango tree explaining all the possible things I could get involved in to get to know the community; little did I know a little preschool boy was eavesdropping; the next day, my host mother found him by our house door with his backpack ready to pick me up to go to his little school to show me around. The joy and happiness I felt at that moment cleared up some of my fears of being considered an outsider in a new community.
Nurturing Future Leaders
Volunteering with children has allowed me to contribute to the development of future leaders. During one of my classes, I engaged the kids to hear what they would like to do when they grow up; so many interesting choices but one that touched my heart was a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, so they could visit a district they have never been in, as I was. The beauty is in the realization that your guidance, no matter how small, contributes to shaping the values, confidence, and leadership skills of the next generation.
Building Lasting Connections
The connections formed while volunteering with children are deeply meaningful, whether it’s the bonds forged during shared activities like a school football match or the impact of mentorship, the beauty lies in the lasting connections that transcend the boundaries of age and backgrounds. As my Volunteer service at the community school comes to an end, I am filled with so many emotions; the thought of I will never see their little smiles, their curious faces as a new topic is introduced but I am comforted with the thought that I will see them outside class and they won’t shy away from screaming “Madamo!!”And wave.
In conclusion, volunteering with children is a transformative experience that unfolds in moments of shared laughter, mutual learning, and genuine connections. The beauty of this journey lies in the profound impact it has had on me and the children I interact with, creating a tapestry of memories that highlight joy, resilience, and boundless possibilities the service brings to life.
