Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Anthony Forpenza
Stepping out of the hustle and bustle of City life, I embarked on a transformative CorpsAfrica Volunteer journey, immersing myself in the heart of a rural community. This month-long experience hasn’t been just about lending a helping hand; it’s been about a profound exploration of community integration, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
From the first dawn in the village, I found myself attuned to the natural rhythms of rural life. Waking up to the sound of roosters, drinking water from the wells, and enjoying the flavor of boiled mangoes, each day became an opportunity to synchronize with the community’s space. Facilitating introductory meetings and the Tree Nursery Project, participating in football games, joining local gatherings, helping with farming, and even sharing stories under the starlit sky, have all fostered a sense of belonging. Learning the Yao language hasn’t been just a linguistic endeavor but a bridge to understanding the nuances of daily life.
As a Volunteer, my role extended beyond physical support. It has been about lending an ear. The simple act of listening has become a bridge, connecting me to the narratives of these resilient individuals. Through their stories, I keep gaining a deeper understanding of people’s struggles, aspirations, and the intrinsic value of empathy in fostering meaningful connections.
It’s been exciting to see seeds of change blooming. The Group Village Headman (GVH) supports community meetings with his own money instead of craving for allowances and expecting refreshments from us, local initiatives such as environmental conservation and restoration are being led and finically supported by the community members themselves and community members organizing a nursery school without any external assistance. It has been heartening to witness the proactive efforts of the community to break free from the shackles of adversity.
The challenges faced by these resilient individuals have been echoing through the narrow lanes and open fields. Lack of access to potable water, education, and health services and food insecurity, resulting from inadequate agricultural inputs such as chemical fertilizer, prolonged droughts, and dry spells exacerbated by climate change and lack of access to climate-smart agricultural practices. It has been heartbreaking to see many married minors and many energetic and vibrant youths lacking skills, knowledge, and economic opportunities to pull them out of the abyss of poverty.
As the days unfolded, I found myself transformed. The simplicity of life in the rural backdrop stripped away the unnecessary layers, leaving room for gratitude to flourish. I learned that happiness need not be measured by material abundance but rather by the richness of human connections and the resilience that we draw upon in the face of adversity.
In my one-month stay, I have discovered that volunteering in the rural community is not just about giving; it’s about receiving the invaluable gift of shared human experience. My one-month stay has not just been a chapter in people’s lives but a transformative experience that keeps reshaping my perspective on resilience, simplicity, and the power of community. The miseries I have witnessed aren’t burdens; they are stories waiting to be heard, lessons to be learned, and opportunities for change waiting to be embraced.