Lessons From the Field
Not once did I imagine things would be this tough. I have many reasons to call it quits. Does one have to go through all of this? Fighting parasites all night and spending the entire day under the hot sun, talking after overdosing on what our principal refers to as “humility pills.” Not that I […]
Coping with Cultural Shock
You know in the movies (the cliche ones), where a girl finally leaves home, to probably go to college in a different state and be the independent woman that she has always wanted to be? She is usually seated by the window, smiling, happy at the prospect of finally experiencing something different from what she […]
Stepping Into Service: My First Weeks as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer
The first day I arrived in the community as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. The road to Rulindo was familiar yet different; I was not just passing through but stepping into a new chapter of my life—one that would require resilience, empathy, and a deep commitment to […]
“Doing Development Differently”
For a very long time, development in Africa has been under control by a few aspects and policies that have shut the door for inclusion and self-drive. Currently, development has taken a new shape, “Redefinition.” As a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, my main objective in the community I am currently serving is a mindset change, getting to […]
Far from Home, Becoming a Home
Moving to a new community far from everything familiar is an adventure filled with learning cultural exchanges, and small victories. I knew this would be challenging when I arrived in Kotur village as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer. Yet day by day this place once foreign has started to feel like home. Living with a host family, […]
Charting Transformation: From Geological Maps to Community Blueprints
Maps have always fascinated me. As a trained geologist, my world revolved around geological maps, and carefully drawn lines that told stories of rock formations, mineral wealth, and the mysteries beneath our feet. But in the heart of my CorpsAfrica/Kenya journey, I discovered a new kind of map that charted not rocks, but relationships; not […]
TOGETHER WE CAN
This is a success story about a group of youths who united to tackle one of their biggest challenges, proving that problems can be solved when we all join hands. During my community integration, I stopped by my favorite spot to buy a banana, expecting to see the familiar face of the mother who usually […]
What You Need Is A Place That Feels Right For You
Among the most fulfilling aspects of my life, working with a community stands out. Over the years, what has kept me motivated is the opportunity to make a difference or touch a life. It isn’t just a job, it’s a passion rooted in helping people thrive, especially in places where resources and awareness are limited. […]
Mindset Change: The Spark That Ignites Transformation
Working as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Teso South, Busia County, I’ve witnessed firsthand how rapid mindset transformation can revolutionize community development. While conventional wisdom suggests mindset change requires years, to me, that spark in the mind may also take just a few minutes or a split second, that glory moment, and the entire frame of […]
Empowering Women through Sustainable Energy: A CorpsAfrica Exchange Volunteer Experience in Endao Village
In Endao village, Marigat Sub-County, Baringo County, I had the privilege of working alongside the Namkaa Endao Women’s Group to create eco-friendly charcoal briquettes. With a group of 14 determined women, we worked together to turn local materials; cow dung, charcoal waste, and a bit of loam soil into 129 durable briquettes. This initiative is […]