When I look back at the beginning of my CorpsAfrica journey, I see a young woman stepping into a completely different world. This world would challenge my definition of life, purpose, and community. Before my interviews, I didn’t know much about CorpsAfrica. It was only after completing PST that I truly understood the depth of the commitment and the beauty of the mission. Still, when deployment time came, fear crept in. I was scared—scared of the unknown, scared of whether I would fit in, scared of whether I would rise to the expectations. But when I finally reached my site, the fear began to fade. My community welcomed me warmly, and that embrace told me, “You belong here.”
My growth did not happen magically; it happened through the daily work I threw myself into. Whether it was standing before children during the child protection awareness meeting, encouraging them to know their rights, or engaging my VSL group in deep discussions about sustainability and risk management, I could feel my confidence growing every time I opened my mouth to speak. The more I facilitated, the more I believed in my own voice. From guiding the Kaombe Youth Club in baking samosas, a moment filled with laughter and learning, to rolling up my sleeves during bridge maintenance and empowering girls through pad-making sessions, each activity pulled a stronger version of me to the surface.
And when we explored new ideas with community groups like charcoal briquettes, soya bean and pigeon pea farming, kitchen establishment, school, and borehole cleanups. I began to understand how powerful it feels to stand in front of people and guide a conversation with purpose. I didn’t know what to expect from my community, and I didn’t know what to expect from myself, but through every meeting, every training, every group discussion, I discovered abilities I didn’t know I had.
Of course, not every day felt inspiring. Some days I felt low, tired, or unsure if this is really what I wanted. Some days I questioned myself like “Am I even doing enough? Am I important here?” But somehow, even without knowing it, my community always found a way to lift my spirit—through a simple greeting, a smile, or the joy they show when participating in the activities we do together. Their respect makes me feel valued in ways I never imagined.
This journey is a blend of living, learning, and becoming. The peace that this place brings is something I hold close. There is beauty in not running after phones or TVs, in just being present with people who care. I have learned to listen to my body, go with the flow, and take it slow. I havelearned the importance of recharging. I have learned that people do not need to be okay all the time, and I have accepted that I do not need to be either. Through all of this, I have learned to celebrate the little wins—the successful meetings, the shared laughter, the skills gained, the small improvements that mean everything.
This journey is shaping me, grounding me, strengthening me. CorpsAfrica did not just give me a placement, it gave me a new lens to see life, a deeper understanding of myself, and a voice I did not know I had. It taught me confidence, public speaking, patience, resilience, and self-discovery. It gave me a community that unknowingly holds me up. And for that, I am deeply grateful.
