Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Lessenia Chikho

Some people define a journey as an act of moving from one place to another, while others define it as the distance covered. The definition of a journey does not matter most in this write up, but the destination does matter. Reaching the 'destination,’ which is the ultimate purpose of starting a journey, is what matters most and not the pulse one is taking. That is to say, when one is on a journey, all she or he thinks of is reaching the destination. Yes, the destination matters most when one is starting a journey.

There are three things that happen when one is on a journey: moving backwards, standing still, and moving forward. Moving backwards and standing still fail the ultimate purpose of a journey while moving forward helps one to achieve the one and only intention of being on a journey.

Different people use different means of transportation when they are on a journey. Some use cars, others bicycle, and others walk. All of these people have different planned destinations, but they are all on a journey. They may be taking the same direction, but their planned destinations are different. When they face some challenges on their way with their means of transportation, they drop that means and take another means just to arrive at their destination. Yes, the destination matters most to everyone who is on a journey.
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Life is like a journey. But how is life like a journey? In life a lot of things happen but everyone has a purpose or a goal that she or he wants to achieve. For example, people grow crops because they want to harvest. The ways and means of growing their crops are different but the ultimate purpose of growing crops is to harvest. Here in Malawi, most people use hoes to grow their crops, like the woman in the picture below. 

​Others use ploughs but the reason for growing crops is to harvest. Education is another good example of comparing life and a journey and how important the destination is. Students go to school all because they want to achieve something at the end. They all have careers but different ones. They may be going to the same school or in the same class, being taught by the same teacher and taking the same subjects, but their goals and ambitions are different. They may be taking the same direction but their destinations are different. For example, the kids below are all in the same class and take the same direction when they knock off from school, but their career goals are different as well as their destinations.

​In life a lot of challenges come and they will always show up when people are on their way to their goals, but do not give up; hold on and move forward. The way you will handle those challenges will define who you are and help you to either reach your destination or not. Hold on and move on at your own pace. As long as you are moving towards your planned destination then thumbs up, you are on a right track. Do not compare yourself with others; it is not about what others are doing, it’s about you arriving at your planned destination. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Jailos Ghambi

A lot of people think its just impossible to live in under-developed rural areas since modern city life can provide a person with almost everything that one could imagine. This was part of my perception after I had tasted sweetness of the city life. And now to be told that my service as CorpsAfrica volunteer will require me to live in a remote, high poverty community. It’s been exactly a month since l arrived in my site, welcomed by heavy rainfall. I felt nervous, shaken, and terrified. Why?

I am in a strange community which is going to be my home for the next six months. Here they speak a language which is not my mother tongue and have a different cultural background from mine. However, I also feel excited, anxious, and curious for I remembered that I am a change maker, facilitator and a catalyst for sustainable development. In addition, I recalled that I am a Spartan! A warrior who never gives up but fights until the end of the battle.

I was born and raised in the village, and on other hand, I have also spent time in the city because that’s where I did my whole education! What a mixed life style.  I have arrived at my lost home.  Why lost? I left village life sometime back and I have tasted the sweetness and luxurious city life full of interesting things, a place where everyone dreams to stay. But now back to my village!
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Villages preserve our national customs and traditions. A village is a perfect place to live if you are in search of harmony with nature. People have everything for their minimum requirements of life. Villagers are satisfied with the necessities of their living. They are always provided with fresh fruits, vegetables, water and clean air free from pollution. It is simplicity, natural beauty and tranquillity that makes rural life unique and special. This has reminded me that and I am pleased to say ‘the lost home has been found’ where this Spartan warrior is going to manifest, catalyse and facilitate sustainable development for his people.  

The best definition of a tortoise, does it exist?
Covered in the glory of beauty
Which only the wise can see
Selfless, patient and meek
If only it was a plant
It could have had beautified our land
 
When she gets lonely she wonders along
When she gets hungry she fetches alone
When she gets tired she rests in the hat
The hat that is full of peace
The peace that only the visionary eyes can see
 
No one can define her motion
Neither can explain her action
You don’t know where she is coming from
And neither where she faces to go
Nor what happened on her way
 
If you never had wise mind
The eyes not could see
And the heart could not learn
That company doesn’t mean security always
And there is no difference between love and peace
 
Try to ask the tortoise one day
She meets a lot through her way
Being stoned, bullied by kids, no food
But have you ever met a crying tortoise
So loud, aggressive and angry
To the point of biting?
 
Learn to build all your roads alone
Learn to accept defeats with a head up
Learn to be silent even if it needs a loud cry
Learn to endure
Because in oneself, you are strong
 
The road may seem too bumpy and rough
But forget that they exist
And what so ever blocked the way
Forget that it happened
Just like a tortoise
Never change your pace
 
Slowly going towards the dream
Never lose focus for silly jokes
The more you meet
The greater you see yourself grow
Experience is the best teacher
 
The life of a tortoise
Thus the best of it
So will I, try too to be the best of mine
Silent in voice, but so loud
With a greater voice
Like a rolling lion in action. ​

Written by CorpsAfrica Malawi Volunteer Dalitso Mndala

Growing up, I have come to realize a lot of things that have greatly changed my life.  Among other things, I have realized that no one is useless in this world, and it always crushes my heart to see other people suffer when someone can do something.  I came to embrace the importance of taking action to help those in need, and that’s the reason why I applied to be a CorpsAfrica Volunteer.
 
Fast-forward the story: here I am, a month into my service, and I am ready and glad to be here.  When I arrived at my site in mid-December 2018, I was afraid of how people would receive me in their community.  I couldn’t keep my fear longer because sooner I realize that the people were friendlier than I expected. 
 
Moreover, what got much of my attention was the way they treated me with respect. I have to admit, I have been respected much more than I have ever been in my life. This helped me to easily to ingrate with the people in the community. Most importantly, my host family gave me all the support I needed to adjust well in the community.  They helped me to know more about the community and introduced me to people I was interested to know.
 
One of the things I have observed and learnt from my community is how hardworking the people are in their farms. Each and every morning they wake up early and go to their farms to do some work, and they are dedicated to see the job get done.  Sometimes others will go for “ganyu” (piece work) for income, and they are willing to work even for less returns.
 
One interesting tool that I have used, which has proven to be effective in catching people’s attention, is the camera. It doesn’t matter how old a person is, but taking a picture with him/her leaves a smile on their face. The kids are my favorite, they call me uncle and are always excited whenever they see me. 
 
I am also glad that I have volunteered to teach at the nearest primary school.  I am able to appreciate the work of primary school teachers and am always happy teaching the kids in class. I hope they became influential people in their society. I am really glad that I am doing something to make other people’s lives better. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/ Malawi Volunteer Chimwemwe Nzima

Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb to agree to serve, you only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love (Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.). The journey to servant leadership is more easily said than done. The experience as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer gives one a picture of what it really means to be servant leader, whereby you make sacrifices to put the interests of your community first. You become part of the community by integrating with them and understanding them better.

The first month of my experience has been adventurous, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet and interact with new people found in the warm heart of Zomba. Their warm heartedness has enabled me to serve the community with ease. Together we work and share ideas on how we can make our community a better place. Most community members are hardworking. They have farms, rear animals (goats, chicken, pigs) and do small-scale businesses. And now that we are in the farming season, everyone goes to their garden very early in the morning. Now visits in the morning will be rendered unproductive since the owner of the homesteads are busy in their farms.

The people are very willing to learn and share their ideas. I specifically understood this when we managed to make a hand-washing facility for my host parents. I facilitated the whole activity, but it was the boys within the compound who did all the activities, making it easy and sustainable. They have acquired the knowledge, can apply it wherever they go, and even teach their friends in the community to observe their hygiene habits. I have learned how the community works together as a team.

My first community meeting was interesting. I was able to learn different community cultural aspects. For example, men sit separate from women in gatherings. I was surprised that my fellow women sat at the far end of the compound where we were to gather for the meeting. I followed suit as “I sat in my mango tree.” The presence of village chiefs brought the people a bit closer as they were ready to hear what had led to their call.

So far being a CorpsAfrica Volunteer is an adventure. I am learning new things every day, and I am eager to see how much I will learn by the end of my service come June.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Chifundo Soko
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It’s been exactly 3 weeks since l arrived in my site. I am counting my days. Don't get me wrong. I am counting because I am proud of myself since I have made friends in my community. Yes, I am proud of myself!

So back to my arrival day, it was raining heavily. Luckily enough I had pleaded with my friend to drop me off in my site. It was a little adventure into an unknown place, I would say, which was going to be my home for the next six months.  Ask me how that felt. Terrifying! Why? I didn't know what to expect and that at times is scary. So you see I had - a smoothie made  up with many different feelings. Anxiety, excitement, curiosity. You too would have had the same feelings in that moment!

I arrived at my new home. When my friend left, I honestly felt alone. The only people I was familiar with were gone! No, I didn't cry. Spartan warriors never shade tears! This is where - you do self-motivation and all the motivational speakers you have listened to come to play. Humanity. Did I mention? The host father happens to be the Group Village Head himself. I mean that's a relief because that meant not arranging any particular day to introduce myself to the chief. It was a jackpot! They showed me my room and told me to be comfortable. By saying be comfortable as a Malawian girl you just know it means doing house chores. It’s not bad though, it gives me a sense of belonging when I do chores. I don't know about other girls, so don't ask me! So I enjoy doing the chores because it also meant easily interacting with my community especially when I went to the borehole.  Another jackpot! This one was gold.

There is the organisation Child Legacy International in my site, and that's where I went to charge my gadgets; it is very much engaged in agriculture. This is where I saw the big pond. There are several ponds where some include only one kind of fish species because of its nature of feeding on other fish like the catfish. The big pond includes different species that live in harmony with one another, sharing the water and the food given to them.
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This big pond made me feel like I was also a fish in my pond (my community in this case). I was going to interact with a different culture other than the one I am familiar with. I have one option. Integrate. (I remembered Agatha our wonderful "culture" expert. Thank you Agatha!). So I have to live  with them and share the same resources because we are in the same pond. The projects that we will do will help and change our lives because we are living in the same big pond.

Written By CorpsAfrica/ Malawi Volunteer Mr. Blessings Ngwira
 
Moseliwa? (Lomwe for How are you?) Its been 3 weeks since we finished our pre-service training in Lilongwe and Mpalale, Dedza. What an intense and interesting training it was. I met some 25 great trainees from different regions of Malawi and including the 2 Moroccan Exchange Volunteers. We met up with the other Volunteer, Touré from Senegal, in Dedza. 
 
The pre-service training was to prepare us for what we could and would meet in our various communities, and on how to integrate with our host families as well as in the community. This was a great experience, especially in Mpalale where we spent 2 weeks with the community and counterparts.

Swearing in ceremony, here we go. This is the day that the "Spartans" (Group 3 Volunteers) was officially born, 12th December 2018. It was such an amazing ceremony finally seeing the smiles on all my fellow Volunteers knowing that the training is done and we are about to go to our sites and do a lot of good in our communities. For me, the reality hit in when I realized that I will be going to serve in an area I have never been before and questions started raining down: How will I be welcomed by the host family? What kind of house will I be living in? Will the community accept someone who is not from this part of the country? What if everyone in my community speaks Lomwe, will I be able to communicate? Yes. Lots of questions. Luckily I had my mom to put me at ease and told me everything will be fine. Simple words but it worked.

And here we go... I left for my site, Phalombe, the day after the swear in ceremony.

When I got to my site I was finally at ease and anxious. At ease because my host mother is the Headmistress at the nearby Community Day Secondary School (CDSS) and her house is quite good, better than what I was thinking it would be. I was anxious because my host mother was not around. And I was back to asking myself questions, who will welcome me? What time will she be back? Will she even be back today? Too many questions came pouring down again. Luckily she was back in 20 minutes.
 
The following day I met a guy, who is now one of the guys that I talk to a lot. And I also met the guy that I am going around in the community with. My counterpart. Interesting he came in the morning to fetch me, so that I should introduce myself to the Group Village Head. If the guy wasn’t around I have no idea how I would have introduced myself to the chief and the community.

​Thankfully my integration in the community was not complicated at all. Luckily most of the people here speak Chichewa and not Lomwe, but I have managed to convince my counterpart to teach me some basic Lomwe. And we have started having community meetings the work has started, so HERE WE GO!! 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Billy Makombola

Tampokelerani mose (Welcome you all) to my warm heart in the northern region of Malawi, Mzimba District, especially my beautiful community located in the southern part. I once read Ms. Khwima Nyirenda’s (Group2 Volunteer) blog talking about the beauty of the district and how welcoming the people are and I thought she was just exaggerating until I arrived here (in her village!) and witnessed with my own eyes, and you know seeing is believing right? So in this one month I have stayed in my community, I've noticed some few interesting things about people here which I want to share with you.

1. Friendly and Caring!
The people here are so easy to get along with. I never imagined how my life would be like being in a new environment with new people that speak a language I totally don't understand, have you ever been in that kind of situation? But my imagination has been proved wrong because people here are so welcoming and caring, and are even making me think thrice about going back home after finishing my service.

2. Culture
I have also noticed that Mzimba district is mostly dominated by Ngoni people. One of the things that got my attention is how these people respect their culture. I will give you an example: Ngoni culture allows a man to have more than one wife and stay with them on the same compound. My host father has three wives and so has my counterpart. To my surprise, these women care and love one another as if they are blood sisters because they know it's their culture and are not supposed to feel jealousat all. I wonder if 'hate' lives in this community.
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3. Respect 
Talking of respecting culture and language barrier, there is only one significant language I am able to understand, that is Respect. People are so respectful here. Unlike in many urban areas, children are so respectful to their parents and all elderly people. Talking of greetings, I like how they do it here and let me teach you the common one; when you find two or more people together, you don't have to spend the whole day greeting them all one by one, NO! All you have to do is greet one person and ask him/her how the rest are doing. Simple and nice, huh?

4. Farming
If there's anyone who knows any other district that values farming most apart from Mzimba, contact me and we should debate. These people really got the Bible verse that says “No sweat, No sweet.” No wonder my counterpart says he can't sleep on an empty stomach because he's a hardworking farmer who goes to farm at 5am and come back at 5pm. Yes! You got me right there, from 5 to 5. 

5. Meat
Talking about Ngoni people without mentioning ‘Meat’ is like an Indian main meal without spices, tasteless. I have only been here for a Month and have had meat at least 5 times given by my counterpart. I wonder how much Kilograms of Meat I'm going to finish by the end of my service. My host father had 30 cows but he's now remaining with 29 because the other one was kidnapped by "Christmas" and his brother "New Years" a few days ago (laughs).
 
Anyway, these are some of the few things I've learned so far in my first month of service and I'm looking forward to learn and observe more exciting things about the people and community so that I would share with you again. I wouldn't ask for another site than this one, Mzimba south, home away from home.

Written by CorpsAfrica/ Malawi Volunteer Ms. Alinafe Chikombole

Mentally preparing myself for the inevitable drastic step of feeling right at home in a new community helped me significantly. Preparing to get out of my comfort zone and embracing that indeed this is going to be my home for the next six months helped me settle right in on my very first day. Having thought of all the worst case scenarios helped me embrace that even out of my comfort zone I can feel right at home even when it's not home per say. No lights? Not a problem, the people that live in this community survive, so will I.

Having a cheerful, loving and supportive host family made the adjustment that much easier too. They make sure I'm well fed and I have everything I need at the click of my fingers. There are good guides likewise, making sure I get well-acquainted with the people and the whole community altogether. Warning me off things and people to stay clear of - they are my angels in disguise, I believe. 

The variety of fish available makes me think of changing my diet altogether to avoid the red meat and go all white. The re-adjustment from my usual diet has even been great because of the readily available fish. Pork and goat meat are likewise available just about everywhere. Rich in so many different fruits, I've been able to get just as adventurous and try out new things.

​The beautiful scenery of the lake makes it worth the while. The constant sounds of waves crushing on waves is rather interesting. The calm of it also gives you a chance to sit on the shore and take a moment to reflect on a life.

​This beautiful scenery is my home away from home for my entire duration of my service and am looking forward to discovering new things about this beautiful home of mine.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Peter Mndalasini

It has been over two weeks since I have stayed in my new community. I arrived in Kasungu District, which is located in the central region of Malawi on 15 December, 2018. Though I have faced quite a number of challenges for the past two weeks, but I will not put down my tools and leave my site. Almost everyone is busy in their farms hence it is difficult to meet and integrate with them. Village life is completely different from how I live back home in the city. There is no running water, poor roads and slow internet connection. 

Walking around the village has made me realize that there is a lot to be done in the community and just like above going back to city life looks regretful. I have also realized that life is about making sacrifices for the sake of making an impact on other people’s lives. The road to success is not easy and life is not a bed full of roses. I am willing to experiment and try different ideas together with my community in order to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals. 
 
I will help my community to uncover connections, tensions, and the principles underlying their issues; generate different ideas on how my community might move forward. Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it is done.” I will work with all my strength until what seems impossible in my community will be possible in the next six months to come.
 
I will try my best in order to make sure that everyone will participate and contribute their innovative ideas and solutions, which might bring change and long impacts in their lives and to the society. I am here in this village as a catalyst of sustainable development and my purpose is not to help but to build a different kind of environment together with my community. Together with my community we are going to bring change by involving every person in decision including the youths and women. I am a Facilitator and I am here to support the work of my community and also to share some of my unique gifts and capacities.  
 
Forward I go with the six months service, No more turning until I will finish my service and bring a difference in my new community.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Promise Trust Chiwalo

"It is good to have a destination; but it is the journey that matters in the end." - Ursula K. Le Guin

I embarked on a four week journey (pre-service training) with a mixture of excitement and anxiety. Quite juxtapositional but this is the best description of how I felt. I was excited because it was a journey towards something that I am passionate about, namely sustainable community development. I was also anxious because it entailed that I would live a different life after this journey; far from everyone and everything I have ever known. 

Upon arriving at my journey's destination (my site) I discovered something of great importance, there was more to this journey than the destination; the journey itself was worthwhile. Reflecting on the past four weeks led me to the realization of three things about the journey. Firstly, the journey had enhanced my passion for sustainable community development. More than that it had helped me to understand my ultimate role in community development as a catalyst and my approach to development was redefined. Secondly, the journey gave me an opportunity to meet and learn from new people (my trainers and fellow trainees). The four weeks were weeks of sharing valuable experiences, building friendships and connections. Lastly, through the Human-Centered Design and Assest-Based Community Development training, the journey equipped me with the essential knowledge and tools that will not only help me serve better as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer but will also enhance my career path. 

I am glad that I have arrived at my journey's destination but I am very convinced that the journey would still be worth taking even if it was void of its destination. This journey was both significant and memorable.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Rhoda Sheena Gangire
 
The Yao in Zomba district have some intreating attributes which makes their culture unique. Some of these attributes are attached to their culture beliefs while some have been adopted depending on different situations encountered.

Among the Yao tribe, land is mostly owned by the women than men, this is because they believe that it is women who suffer the most when their husband dies but when they have their own piece of land for farming they can provide for the families even when they are widowed. And women are not encouraged to marry men from far places as this would make them abandon their land for farming. Men on the other hand, work hard in school and businesses to provide for themselves and they have the freedom to marry from any village of their choice and the land which belongs to the woman is used for farming by the whole family. 

Farming for Business 
When it comes to farming there is diversification of crops grown and some of the crops grown are maize, rice, groundnuts, millet, sorghum and cassava. 80% of these crops grown are sold at the nearby trading center which is along the main road.  And some even travel to big cities like Lilongwe to sell rice. Groundnuts and cassava are mostly sold at the trading center and sometimes selling is done in their homes when approached by vendors.

Children's Piece works
It is a common tradition among the Yao that during farming, children are given an opportunity to make money. Children mostly gather themselves to do piece works in fields in order to make money. The money is used to buy clothes, school materials and during the festive season to buy food and enjoy themselves. The piece works are only done when schools are closed and during the festive seasons.  Both girls and boys from ages of 12 below take part in doing piece works. Most families and individuals in the community love hiring these children as they make farm work done in a short amount of time due to their hard working and collaborative spirit. If only parents could properly manage thier finances after selling they can have enough money to provide for thier children’s needs and children will no longer have to do piece works.
 
Mango Trees
Every household has at least 5 mango trees around their homes. When mangoes ripen they are used sold at the nearby trading center during market days. A day before the market day the mangoes are plucked, washed and packed properly in bags or basins and they leave at 2 am on an oxcart the following day which is the market day.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Caroline Luka

For the past eleven months I have been part of the community that I was deployed in. I may not have necessarily been one of them, but I felt a sense of belonging. I knew that I had made a home away from home. The relationships I have built will last long and I know that no matter what, I will always have a place to lay my head on in this community. 
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My time is up, and it is time for me to pack my bags and go. Bidding farewell to people is never easy and my community did not make it any easier for me. The music, dances and speeches nearly made me tear up. I could not admit to myself how much the people meant to me until I had to cover my face when the chief made her final remarks. Good-bye is not good at all.

Looking back at the activities and projects I have worked on put a smile on my face. From working with youth to renovate the nursery school for the children made me feel at ease. I have managed to make an impact on my community and it brought nothing but joy in my heart. The vibrant youth I worked with are now venturing into a business. I am so proud that they are using their assets to and solutions to their challenges. The nursery school kids now have a classroom that is safe and sanitary. Their days of learning outside or in a church are finally over.

“We are sad to see you leave. Do you think its possible for you to stay a little longer?” asked one of the little girls who I assisted teaching at the nursery school.

My heart broke. 

In as much as good-byes are painful, the memories are what makes you find the good in the good-bye. The lives you have touched, the change you have made in the community and most importantly how the experience has made you grow. Personally, serving as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer has molded me into a woman that I am proud of when I look in the mirror. The impact I have made in the community will live on. I will never forget the things I have learned about the community and about Malawi. 

As much as I would have loved to stay, I couldn’t. It is time for others to come and bring in new developments while I go and find my new adventure. 

“So, for now I say goodbye to this chapter of my life and I look forward to what comes next” -- Brooke Davis

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Silvester Kunkeyani

How time flies!! So it’s been a year already since I came to serve as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer at Mkwachi village in the northern part of Malawi? When I first came into my community I did not know what to expect. In fact, I was a little scared. The one year of service with CorpsAfrica has been the most rewarding journey of my life with many lessons learnt.

In order to build a more resilient community whose young generation is more responsible and makes rational choices about their lives, we focused on training about 500 youth in Grassroot Soccer intervention programs through camps that address HIV/AIDS education by empowering the youth with vital and correct information about the deadly virus and help to reduce further spread of the virus in their communities. While living in my community, I observed that the local women worked so hard in setting up small-scale businesses but unfortunately these businesses were not making enough progress. To tackle this challenge, I facilitated a workshop with my community's village loans and savings group to teach them how to manage, run and execute business plans and how to track business performance using key business performance indicators. Through these sessions my community boasts of increased business knowledge and monetary returns. 

I also worked with my community to write a proposal to CorpsAfrica with an aim of rehabilitating an old borehole at the village's Health Centre in order to reduce water woes at the local Health Centre and the villages surrounding the Health Centre. The proposal was successfully accepted and approved. The project once implemented will see over 16,000 community members benefitting. 

We worked with the local primary school in identifying some challenges the local school was facing. Together with the school management committee and the Parents and Teacher Association, I facilitated the writing of a project grant to WorldConnect US with an aim of rehabilitating and expanding the headteacher house for the local primary school that was too small and in dilapidated state. The grant also sought assistance to have 80 desks made for the school that will see about 160 students having a comfortable place to sit. The grant was successfully approved and when funding comes through, the school will wear a new face with the rehabilitation and expansion of the head teacher’s house and the provision of the 80 desks. This project is named Mkwachi primary school growth and development project and is being funded by WorldConnect US. 

The one year of service with CorpsAfrica/Malawi has been a journey of great rewards and total transformation. I am going back home as a person who made a change at Mkwachi village in Nkhatabay and the people of Mkwachi will never forget me just as I will never forget them.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr.  James Matipwiri

​When I look back and check my clock, I get overwhelmed and I realize that the hands have made countless cycles in registering a year of my voluntary service. As a Somali proverb says, "Every camel was once a two-year-old" the words reminds me of my experiences I have had during my service as a volunteer in Dedza. As time goes, we play, we learn and grow. But it is much more than that with me because my time as a volunteer has helped me developed into a different individual. In short, they made me grow in so many different ways.

Having served as a volunteer in Dedza East, I have learnt a lot of things that I never thought I would learn. I have collaborated with NGOs that I never knew existed. In short, the service has exposed me to the world inside my community.

Since October last year (2017), it has been a very exciting journey of learning and discovery. Before joining CorpsAfrica, I had no idea of what my potentials were like. Some people could describe me as possessing some introvertive characteristics but that was quite a perfect description. I had to come out of my comfort zone and unleash the fears. And I have realized that I can lead, I can facilitate change, I can help others transform their living conditions for better. I have emerged a transformed person with lots of new ideas, knowledge and experiences to take on the world.

Living alone in a new environment is stressful if not careful enough, so I made lots of friends in my community, some worth keeping while some always made me question what I am actually doing with them, but anyway, friends are friends. In a nutshell, I have grown and developed professionally, socially and culturally.
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I will never forget the experiences I have had throughout my entire service, the amazing people I have collaborated with, and above all, the impact my projects shall have in my community.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Chancy Simba
 
I have to smile a little as I write this, because I recall my friend Kondwani just after Pre-Service Training saying to me, “Chancy, just make yourself useful around there.” Well, when I first arrived at my site Mzimba I struggle to find ways to make myself useful around my community. Language was a problem. Now, 11 months done the lane I sit down and look back like, “How did I make myself useful?” I believe the most important thing of volunteering is being useful. There are a lot of stories worth sharing to how we Volunteers have been useful to our communities. 
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In my community I tried as possible as I could to make myself useful. Working with my site mate, a Peace Corps Volunteer Kevin, I found myself being more useful than I thought I would be. There are a lot of activities and project that we worked on but a few I can share. 

They say a picture is worth a thousand words but Carol, my fellow CorpsAfrica Volunteer, believes this one (above) is worth a thousand and one. She shares how her project has changed many lives especially children in her community. I believe Carol has been of great use to her community when they worked hard on a nursery school which was never in a good condition. She believes her community now can be able to work and sustain a project they long waited for. 

“Making this project a success has been one of my biggest achievements. Not only have I given the children in my community a conducive environment to get education, but I have also eradicated the ‘we are helpless’ mindset the community had. It took efforts from the community members to make this a success. The vibrant participation in the project has given them a sense of ownership and responsibility. I know that their contribution will make this project sustainable,” says Carol.
 
I believe a lot of my fellow Volunteers have lots of stories to share of how useful they have been in their communities. We all have learned a thing or two. I am proud to say volunteering for a year with CorpsAfrica/Malawi is extremely worth it. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Khwima Nyirenda

My journey with CorpsAfrica started in a village called Mpalale, in the central region of Malawi. My home, however, for the past 11 months has been in Mzimba South, and it is only fair that I share the five things I love in this southern part of Mzimba district, especially my community Thoza.

1) Warm People The people in Mzimba are welcoming and very generous. I have never lacked a helping hand when I needed it. They made sure I was a part of everyday life and traditions.

2) Irish Potatoes Irish Potatoes farming is one of the most practiced kind of farming in Mzimba South. It is a great cash crop for the area, and almost a staple food, second from Nsima. I love that I almost never bought Irish Potatoes because my loving community always made sure I had them in abundance. I mean, they understood that I am but just a volunteer.

3) Meat What is a Ngoni culture without meat? Meat is cheap to find and to buy in my community. Sometimes hyenas can do the village a favour by “injuring” a goat in the middle of the night, and well, what can the poor goat owner do but share the meat with his neighbours.

4) Wild Life I just mentioned a hyena. Yes. There is a vast forest reserve in my community and it has various wild animals that I saw for free, including hyenas. I know most of us get terrified when we hear about hyenas but contrary to popular belief, hyenas are very terrified of people (or anything taller than them). I was told not be terrified, and to give hyenas a chance, so whenever hyenas tried to kill my neighbours’ goats at night, I stepped out and shooed them away. JOKE.

​5) Blue-Sky Not the actual blue sky. Blue-sky is a precious stone mined in my community, it is not BLUE, but it is Blue-sky, and I love it. I had not heard of it until I started living in Mzimba. It’s a beautiful stone that is bought by the Chinese and Zambians. The real 5th thing I love about this southern part of Mzimba is, there is always something you have never heard of, just like Blue Sky.
 
As I conclude my service, I just want to take this chance to appreciate the family I found in my community. I have had my ups and downs, but I will always remember the love my community spared for me.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malwi Volunteer Mr. Dingaan Kafundu

My CorpsAfrica service is actually coming to an end. It’s crazy how fast a year goes by. I am in my last week in my community and can’t help but think about some of the things I have seen that have impressed me the most during my service. There’s the community involvement, my professional and personal growth, and the fact that I feel I have become a better leader. But what I feel has impressed me the most has been the kids and how they don’t let the rural–urban divide ruin their childhood fun.

From the outside looking in, you would think that due to a lack of general technology and equipment and infrastructure etc. that the children in rural communities may not have as much fun as their better off urban counterparts. This is not the case. It’s amazing how creative and innovative the kids can be. I believe they are much more creative than those in the city due to what they make out of what they have. I would wake up early in the morning to the sounds of kids laughing and playing while driving in their cardboard cars. They would use the sand outside my house and pretend to be the azungu they see hiking the mountains around them. I would walk to the market and find a bunch of kids running away from a herd of sheep with huge smiles on their faces, pretending their running from a pack of lions. It’s all in the little things.

If I could pick out one moment that really stuck out for me, it would be this young 11-year-old boy I met while taking a walk through the community. I found this little boy collecting marbles and well, I figured, he simply wanted to play a game of marbles. This was before I saw him leave the marbles and go on to pick up a bunch sticks. The kid pretty much had my full attention at this moment. He then went on and found an old scrappy cardboard board and put it on top of an old tin. I still had not figured out what exactly he was planning on doing. He then put the marbles on the board, picked up the small sticks and lay them on the board, picked up a bigger stick and then it hit me, little man had built himself a makeshift pool table. It did not stand up straight nor did the marbles behave but did he care? Not in the least. He was having the time of his life.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Twambilire Kalolokesya

It is the eleventh month since I was allocated to my site. It has been a period of a lot of experiences. I have met people of different age groups and all kinds of perspectives. I did stuff that I never thought I would do. Interacting with everyone in these eleven months has changed my life and I am grateful for that.

Because of this CorpsAfrica service, I got to meet my fellow Volunteers. These unique people have been very helpful to my service as a Volunteer. Whenever I needed advice, help with an activity, whenever I got stuck and whenever I felt like sharing my problems with someone, they were there for me. I even got to learn something just from observing their lifestyles, they have been a very great inspiration to me. Even the CorpsAfrica staff (very tolerant people I say), have been really great. They were not hesitant to give advice, I have improved professionally and learnt new skills because of these people.

Another group of people that I met is my community members. They have been taking care of me more than I expected. I interacted with people from only months old kids to adolescents to old people. That gave me a wide age range with different challenges, priorities and perspectives to learn a lot. Hearing them tell their stories helped me know some truths that I misunderstood about local communities. 

Meeting these different groups of people exposed me to a new kind of knowledge, skills, challenges that I learned from. I got to make mistakes that I learned from. What I experienced during this period of time will forever be remembered and I do not regret one bit. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Wezi Kayira

I think the youth of today are very lucky. They can easily access information regarding sex, condoms and HIV/AIDS without difficulties. They are not only exposed, they have the right to choose and hopefully make wise choices. I remember the first time I heard about sex/HIV/AIDS/condoms was when I was in standard 4 if not 5. I was about nine years old and sex talk was not a welcomed discussion. If you asked me then what came in my mind upon hearing the word, I would say something insulting and dirty that adults never want us knowing. I had so many questions and no answers. Of course, we had that topic “growing up and changing” which was meant to answer all the WHAT, WHY and HOWS? To be honest, it only left me more confused and curious.

Let us fast forward to this generation. They talk about sex like it is nothing. It is even stupid to assume that every youth is keeping themselves for marriage or yet practicing safe sex. I mean, the other day I went to chat with the women in the neighboring village and there was a group of young girls playing. From their looks, none of them had reached puberty and were not more than thirteen years of age. I was shocked to be told that one of the girls went to church to meet a priest to confess her sins. Yes, this young girl just had sex and the women thought it amusing rather than alarming. Instead of counselling her, they made jokes of her priest-visit, never mentioning the dangers this young girl is exposing herself to. Throughout the jokes, the girl joined the women in laughter. But then again, having sex at a young age is a very common scenario in our communities. While the future of these hopeful youths is at stake, we can choose to laugh, make jokes and ignore the intended consequences or give them the right information to at least protect themselves. 

These past few months I have been fortunate enough to be a Grassroot Soccer facilitator, discussing HIV/AIDS, sex, condom use and gender with different youths. This has taught me how important openness regarding these issues is very crucial to the development of these youths if they are to be fully empowered individuals. I will not lie, it is never easy addressing such sensitive topics, establishing a safe space to hold such discussions is never easy, but once it has been identified, the enlightenment that comes after is very liberating.

My father once said, “Educate a person as best as you can. If they choose to misuse the information obtained, at least you will know you tried.” Similarly, as a leader living amongst youths who are not sure about their sexuality and could easily destroy their future because they simply did not have accurate information. Whenever possible, it is important to hold active discussions to help the youth make wise decisions about sex, its consequences, using condoms and most especially help them know the importance of abstinence. You ask yourself how you want to empower the youth, I say there is no better way. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Caroline Luka

Working with a partner organisation can not only keep you busy but also helps you gain more skills. A lot of things happen at Home of Hope orphanage that my site-mate, Twambi, and I work on. The one thing that caught my attention was the coming of John Platt. He came to start an art program with the kids at the orphanage. I am not an artist, but I have always wanted to learn how to draw. So, I grabbed the opportunity by the neck and offered to help facilitate his lessons through Chichewa translations. 

John Platt is an artist (painting) by profession and the founder of the organization called How to Draw a Lion. The organisation is focused on an art education program that is designed for under-resourced children. The program offers art lessons as well as provides funding. You might wonder how the funding comes about but not to worry this is my favourite of the program. When the kids draw and paint, John takes the paintings and sales them. The money is therefore sent back to where the kids are based to help provide for their needs. Amazing, right?! “The kids are able to create a painting that they can be proud of and later get returns for their hard work. In a way, it teaches them a sense of independence,” said John with a huge smile on his face. “It’s strictly about the kids showcasing their talent,” he added. 

Two weeks has passed since the program started an I must say the kid’s art has become a phenomenon. I asked the kids how they feel about it and here are some of the comments that I got: 

“My drawings have improved, and I have learned how to pay attention to details when painting”, said Lerato

“Even though some of my friends quit, I still attend the lessons because things like this don’t happen every day. Ndichamtengo wapatali (meaning, it is quite precious)”, said Clifford.

Hezekiah concluded that, “Someday I will turn art into a business and sell my drawings.”

Working with these kids has been so much fun and John has really inspired us all. Personally, I think turning your passion into something decent like this can make you sleep with a smile on your face every day. Besides painting on paper, John and the team have also painted murals around the campus. I know right! These kids are going places. If they put their mind and brushes to use I am pretty sure something beautiful will come out of this experience.

I for one have been inspired and motivated. You don’t need to be excellent in your drawings to pursue art, all you need is passion and drive. Take it from someone who couldn’t even draw a butterfly in school but managed to draw and paint a zebra. 

To see more paintings, visit howtodrawalion on Instagram and see more on what the kids have been up to!

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Ruth Chamangwana 

Beyoncé’s song, "I was here," would get any person emotional, especially if they have spent a year trying to make a difference in people's lives. I have had this privilege to work as a volunteer and I can't stop myself from playing this song. 
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On November 15, 2017, I found myself traveling to Chipoka, Salima. I was scared and excited at the same time. I was going into a community far away from my family members and I decided to live in a community where everyone was a stranger, fortunately, not for a long time. The strangers became family and going to Chipoka was the best decision I made last year. 

Fast forward and we are in September 2018. How time flies! A couple of months ago I thought I would be so happy to leave my community but now, I don’t want to leave. I have made beautiful and long-lasting relationships with my community members and the experience has been nothing but fulfilling. During my service, I have talked to a lot of people who have offered guidance, support and advice. My family has always been my anchor and during my service, they did not disappoint. My fellow Volunteers have been nothing but amazing. Sharing our successes and failures made me strong and vigilant.

Ireen Kanjala and Carol Luka (God bless them), have been my sisters and best friends. I wouldn't have successfully completed my service without them. CorpsAfrica staff have been so amazing. Shout out to Sara, Tusa, Katlyn and Limbani! The baddest team ever! Dingase and Arthur, I thank you. ​

​I volunteered because I wanted to make a difference, make people see their own abilities and utilize them. I am sure I have let down my community in one way or another, but they didn't let me down. Every day was a learning experience and 2017 Ruth is definitely not 2018 Ruth. I am proud of my growth and where I am because of this experience. I hope that I have left footprints in people's lives and that they will always strive to make the best out of any situation they are in.

​Lastly, to God be the glory. He put me in Chipoka at the right place, right time and I am excited to see the plans He has for me and my CorpsAfrica family. I was here, in Chipoka, Salima.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Khwima Nyirenda

Dear newly recruited CorpsAfrica Volunteer-Trainees,

Earlier this month I had a privilege to attend a Youth Volunteering Forum organized by Mzuzu Youth Office. Among many speakers that presented was United Nations Volunteers representatives were among those that spoke to my heart. In a nation where people, especially the youth do not understand what volunteering is all about, I felt the message that was shared at that forum should not be just for a few that attended by to all that are curious about volunteerism, and there is no better audience that the newly recruited CorpsAfrica Volunteers.

Amid the high employment rates being experienced by the youth in Malawi, the notion of volunteerism can often be vague. It can be tempting to volunteer for the wrong reasons. People can volunteer because they have nothing else to do and because they are just curious to find out when the work begins. True volunteerism does not depend on whether you have other things going on in your life, it’s about the little voice inside of you that tells you there is something you can do to change a bad situation. It a passion and it’s a personality. It doesn’t matter where you are, it doesn’t matter who you are. It’s a will to do something for your country, for your continent without expecting anything in return.

As much as you don’t need to have expectations, this new role you are about to embark on will literary change your life. You will grow in ways you never thought you would, and you will overcome things you never though you would. This new role will allow you to be as creative as you can get and you will discover at least one potential that you never thought you had.

May you contribute to the greatness of Africa, and I wish you the best service.
 
Yours truly,
Khwima

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Silvester Kunkeyani
 
Ten months down the line, wow!! Seems it was only yesterday since I became a CorpsAfrica/Malawi 2nd cohort Volunteer serving in southern part on Nkhatabay district, north of Malawi.  How time flies! Well, Volunteering is best known to many as an act done for the benefit of others, but that’s not to say you can’t take away a lesson or two along the way. The six most invaluable lessons i have learnt from my volunteering experience include: 
 
1. EVERYONE HAS A STORY
 
The ten months I have stayed in my community has been full of adventure. I have met very unique people with a story to tell. These are stories of who they are and how they came to be where they are. While it’s important to remember that each person has their own unique narrative, it’s just as important to respect, appreciate, and take the time to understand this narrative. Volunteering has taught me a very important skill of being empathetic while appreaciating every individual's unique narrative of their stories.
 
2. SMALL CHANGES CAN HAVE A BIG IMPACT
 
As a volunteer, I have come to the understanding that simple actions can have a big impact in the lives of people who do not have much. Listening to the stories of different people brings much deeper connections. Donating clothes or a tablet of soap might not seem enough but I have seen how people can be appreciative of the little things we consider not much. 
 
3. SMILES ARE UNIVERSAL
 
While the fear of meeting new people and experiencing a new culture could be real at times, what I have come to learn is that smiles are universal. If you’ve a simple smile, you can permeate language, cultural, economic, or other barriers and can relay the message that you care. When in doubt, flash those pearly whites. 
 
4. GRATITUDE
 
Volunteering experience has taught me that in everything appreciation with gratitude is key. A deep appreciation of all that I have in life and helping those in need is a firm reminder of what really matters - like family, friends, and health. 
 
5. VOLUNTEERING IS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE
 
As a volunteer, I have learnt many things and skills that are key for my personal and professional growth and development. I have Developed new skills, discovered new passions, gained new insights about myself and the world around me. 
 
6. ONCE A VOLUNTEER, ALWAYS A VOLUNTEER
 
Volunteering has taught me that the reason i have two hands is to use the other for helping myself while the other is for serving others. The things i have learnt will forever be a part and parcel of my life. The greatest lesson i have learnt is that if one thinks serving others is below him/her then such a person need to know that leadership is way beyond him or her.