In the past, I often felt frustrated when I saw people living in poverty and saying that their struggles came simply because they had no money. I used to wonder how they could not see the opportunities around them, the raw materials and resources they already had that could help them improve their lives.

Growing up, I was not the kind of person who easily interacted with others, yet deep inside, I carried a burning passion to see people transform their lives from hardship to stability. I always told myself that before I could empower others, I needed to be empowered first, to understand the realities within communities and to learn how to respect different opinions and experiences.

Joining CorpsAfrica was a turning point. It gave me the platform I had always dreamed of, a chance to become the change-maker I wanted to be. On the first day of my deployment in Kirerema Village, I felt something shift within me. I believed that everyone there desired to grow and that I was ready to help them do it.

The journey from my host family to my site took over two and a half hours on foot. When I finally arrived, I met a warm, welcoming family who asked who I was. I proudly introduced myself as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, there to support community development and ensure no one is left behind. They appreciated my vision and promised their support. However, as I continued to meet more people, I learned that not everyone who agrees with you in words will stand with you in action.

That experience taught me patience and humility. I realized that real impact does not come from speaking to everyone at once. It comes from taking time to connect deeply with a few, helping them truly understand your mission, and empowering them to share it with others.

Through this journey, I have discovered that serving a community goes beyond physical work. It requires mental strength, emotional connection, and empathy. People do not just need material support. They need to feel heard, valued, and understood.

Today, I am learning to be more flexible, patient, and open-minded. Living among the community, listening to their stories, and giving them the space to express themselves has helped me see that change rooted in understanding lasts longer.

Starting small, being patient, and walking alongside people at their own pace, this is what leads to true, sustainable transformation. Every day, I am becoming not just a Volunteer, but a true change-maker.