In February 2023, I made a decision that would change the course of my life. Motivated by a strong desire to give back to my community especially after witnessing how organizations like FAWE Rwanda empowered disadvantaged youth I applied to become a CorpsAfrica volunteer. What I didn’t know then was that this choice would transform me personally and professionally, while also opening doors for meaningful change in the communities I would serve. Growing up, I was fortunate to receive the support I needed to pursue my dreams. But I was always mindful of the many young people who didn’t have the same opportunities. I wanted to be part of the solution not through charity, but through creating sustainable impact. When I learned about CorpsAfrica, I realized it was exactly what I had been searching for.

By July 2023, I received an email inviting me to interview, and in August, the message I had prayed for arrived: I had been selected as a CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Volunteer. I remember feeling overjoyed, grateful, and eager to start this new chapter. In August 2023, I joined the Pre-Service Training (PST). The training was rigorous but deeply enriching. I gained skills in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), Human-Centered Design (HCD), and Community-Led Development. These tools changed the way I looked at development teaching me to focus on community strengths and solutions rather than challenges alone. My first placement took me to Ruhashya Sector in Huye District. At first, the work was not easy. Report writing and project structuring were new to me, and I had moments of doubt. But I reminded myself why I had joined: to serve. Slowly, I built trust with the community, listening to their needs, working alongside them, and learning every day from my colleagues and staff. I supported youth, introduced modern farming techniques, Job creation, and mobilized savings groups. The impact started to show, and the confidence of community members grew with it.

Because of my commitment and the progress achieved, CorpsAfrica recognized my efforts and granted me an extension of service. This extension gave me the opportunity to broaden my impact, moving into Rulindo District, specifically Cyinzuzi Sector, where I continued working with youth and elder groups. This phase of my journey was particularly fulfilling, both on a personal and professional level. I had the chance to implement more projects, such as; Empowering youth through job creation, supporting them to start small busines8ses and avoid illegal mining. Promoting sustainable practices like; introducing income-generating projects like rabbit farming and poultry distribution and Building skills and capacity –where I tried to train youth in leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. These initiatives did not just create short-term benefits; they gave the community tools to sustain change. Watching youth gain confidence, women take leadership roles, and families improve their livelihoods has been the most rewarding part of my journey. By 2025, my experience with CorpsAfrica has shaped me into more than a volunteer. I have grown into a leader, with skills in project proposal writing, public speaking, facilitation, and community collaboration. I have learned resilience through challenges and humility through service. Today, as I continue serving in Cyinzuzi Sector, I look back with gratitude. The challenges made me stronger, the successes fueled my passion, and the trust of the community keeps me moving forward. CorpsAfrica gave me the platform, but it is the people I have worked with who taught me what true development looks like: people-driven, sustainable, and full of hope.