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. 
​
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.
​
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. 
​
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. 
​
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. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Mildred Chirwa

For someone who has never spent a week in a village, I really consider my village experience with CorpsAfrica as an achievement. I believe I can do anything and can adapt to any environment, and that is more empowering for me. I learnt to speak a language and follow customs that I never thought I could.

Making friends, brother and sisters was also one of the enriching experiences in my village. I learnt to be more patient with people and I have developed more empathy towards strangers. You might think you don’t know someone but understanding their lives by and by will help you know that you know everyone, I mean you can relate with everyone. Our struggles might be different, but the common thing is that we all have our struggles, that’s the starting base.
​
I have grown personally and professionally but, I so much like that I have matured emotionally too through my volunteer service. From learning how to fetch water, cook some special meals, gardening and storing farm produce, I have learnt to appreciate the diversity that Malawi enjoys. Through it all, how I would wish that every change in Malawian communities was approached with empathy and patience. At least for sure we agree that we cannot use parameters that work elsewhere to measure success somewhere else. I have learnt that progress in community development in rural areas of Malawi should be assessed based on their own efforts and not based on the expectations of outsiders.

​Now ask me, was it easy? Not at all, but it was all worth it. I could relive this experience over and over again. As I’m concluding my service, I’m just on my window thinking how much I will miss this place. It hurts but I am glad I made a difference, no matter how minimal. Talk of little wonders!

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Ruth Chamangwana

Yup! It's official. I love fish. From the beautiful patterns embroidered on the skin of the cichlids to the deliciousness of Chambo and usipa (these are types of fish), not forgetting their natural habitat, Lake Malawi and the wriggling of the tails when they swim in the lake! I am in awe of God's creation. My community is the best place to learn about fishing. A couple of things you need to have for you to go fishing: 

1) The lake (of course). Chipoka has the best part of Lake Malawi so come through. 

2) A boat. You can use a canoe, or the boats powered by fuel. Boat rides are phenomenal, and we have beautiful shores in Chipoka, so your guess is right, come to my site for a boat ride!

3) Fishing net. Now, do not use a mosquito net. It traps small fish that need to be given ample time to grow and breed so that our lake does not run out of these beautiful creatures. 
​
4) Clay rocks. You will need rocks that are made from clay that are later burnt to make them firm and last long. The use of these rocks is quite fascinating and intriguing.  The clay is mixed with water to mold round rocks that are later burnt. Then comes the interesting part. The size of the rock shows the type of fish that is to be caught. The smaller the rock, the smaller the size of fish. Fish such as Chambo and butter fish are caught using big rocks. 

Fishermen use the rocks to support the fishing net once it has been suspended into the water. The outer ends of the fishing net are connected to the rocks and once the net has been thrown into the lake, the net is held to the ground so that it does not float back to the top of the lake. Brilliant! 
My host mother is one of the pioneers of this business in my site. She has been molding these rocks for more than five years now. My host mother sells the rocks from K10 to K50. 

She has been able to buy iron sheets for her house from this business and she is able to provide food for her family. Sometimes the fishermen exchange fish for the rocks so it is a win/win situation.  Fishing is rampant in my area and I am glad that the fisheries department is doing all it takes to make sure that fishermen use the right fishing mechanisms so that our fish species do not become extinct in our lake. So, if you feel like fishing is a calling to you, let me know. I will dish out all the things I know about fishing, but you will have to come fish in my site, Chipoka. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Ireen Kanjala

Meeting new people is not very difficult. Getting to know people and maintaining a relationship with them is not difficult either, but it's rather challenging. This is why I am happy when I make a long lasting impression on people enough to make them my friends. When I first came to my community I was clueless on how to make new friends. When I volunteered to teach at the local primary school I wasn’t sure the children would like me enough to make me their friend and welcome me in their lives outside of school.
​
Months later, I am happy to say I made so many friends at the school and more particularly Kristopher, who has been a friend throughout my service. I met Kristopher at the local primary school and he has since become a good friend. Kristopher is a sixteen year old standard 6 boy who has taught me that no effort is too small to bring change and happiness in one’s life.

​Kristopher is a third born of five children. He lives with both his parents and four siblings. His family relies on farming for both food and income. His father owns over 10 acres of land and uses about 2 acres to grow maize, vegetables and cash crops like cassava, sweet potatoes and groundnuts. 

Kristopher inherited over 3 acres from his late grandparents. He made a choice to farm on the land to help provide for his family’s needs as well as his own. He pays his own school fees and buys farm necessities and basic household necessities.

Last year, Kristopher harvested 11 bags of maize but gave it all to his father because he did not harvest enough to sustain the family. When I asked him why he gave up all his harvest he simply said “He is my father, there is nothing I would not do for him”. I knew that those words though not many, they were embedded with so much love and respect.
​
Kristopher’s family makes me feel welcome into their home and frequently take me to their farm. He brings me fresh food from the farm and shares with me his hopes and dreams; for his future and his family. I love the support I get from them and most importantly the life lessons I am gaining from my new friend.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Twambilire Kalolokesya

Ten months have passed since I was allocated to my site and it has been quite an experience. As I live every day, I notice that I have developed some new characteristics that I never had or characteristics that were weak but now are strong. Despite the challenges that I face, I am glad that I developed these characters and excited to talk about them.

Firstly, I have noticed that I love to greet people more than I usually did. People at my site do not just pass by one another without greetings. During my first days I would pass by people, but they would always greet me. No matter how many times I tried to just pass quietly they would greet me. Then as time passed I also learned to greet everyone I meet at my site. Nowadays even when I find a chance to go to town I find myself greeting people on the way which is strange, because in town you cannot greet anyone. 

Another characteristic I have developed is tolerance. Since I came to my site, I have been helping out at the nursery school. This is something I never imagined doing. I always wondered how teachers manage the kids that want to do something else when the teacher is trying to teach. I thought that I could not manage to do so but to my surprise, I did. During my first days I could give up easily when the kids were playing when I wanted to teach them, with time I learnt how to engage the kids and I started enjoying the lessons. Other situations like community members coming three hours after agreed time used to affect me a lot but I have found a way around them. These situations have helped me develop tolerance.

There is also a certain mannerism that I have observed to have developed. Most of the people, especially elders in my community hold their right-hand wrist with their left hand, whenever they want to greet someone or when handing something to another person. This is done to show respect to the other person. I have also developed this mannerism, when greeting people or giving something to a person. This mannerism was not developed deliberately but I just noticed that I do the same whenever I greet people or hand something to another person.

There are many things that I have either started or stopped doing because of my close interaction with community members at my site. I am grateful that I could have these kinds of experiences as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Chauncey Simba - from May 2018
 
"Achieving victory over others in a competition or receiving a prize or reward for achievement" – that's how the dictionary defines the word winning. As the dictionary, most people, especially men into sports, will say that in order to win there has to be an opponent to beat. However, some of the most meaningful wins of my life were victories over no other person or team (and I have played competitive basketball for years). I can remember winning when there was no prize for performance and those are some of my most highlighted wins in life. I can tell you so many countless wins I have with CorpsAfrica during my service in Mzimba. Here are a few.
​
One of my first experiences of winning with CorpsAfrica occurred in April after my Grassroot Soccer Camps which involved about 130 children from around my site. I won the hearts of these children after those camps, so I call this a big win for me in Mzimba. Nearly every day, after the camps I have had many of these children greet me with a big smile and introduce me to their parents and friends. Some of these kids come and spend time at my house, help me with some chores like drawing water from the borehole, and play games and have fun together.

The fact that I'm here doing a service with CorpsAfrica at all is another win I like to count. And finding someone to work with me out here who doesn’t want anything in return. My CorpsAfrica service would not be the same if it weren’t for a Peace Corps Volunteer, Kevin. I found Kevin already here (Mzimba) and he is working on many numerous projects. We met and started working together especially on HIV/AIDS programs together with our local clinic and schools around here. Kevin is a hard-working person determined to make a difference and working hand-in-hand with him motivates and helps me to work hard. So, to work with him is a big win for me. 

All my projects in my community have to go through my VDC (Village Development Committee) first, in fact all my projects come from my VDC. Be able to work, trust and be trusted, believed, and respected with these people is the most tremendous victory in my CorpsAfrica service. I'm just a young man among elders who is on the forefront together with the community leaders to bring change to thousands of lives in my community. I am so grateful for these people and I feel so special to be part of this community. 
​
There are many numerous examples that will clarify what winning means to me, especially with CorpsAfrica. I find it hard to define winning as a way to compete with others and get a reward at the end and being in my community has helped me see that. Being able to positively achieve a lot of wins to better someone's life every day is what is most important. I'm a grateful Volunteer and I am so thankful for the wins I'm achieving with my community through my CorpsAfrica service.

#WinningRedefined 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Chauncey Simba - from December 2017
 
Life in the community has begun. Every day seems to be a learning day and yes learning never stops. Most Volunteers would agree that the second month of service is spent conducting meetings with various community committees and stakeholders, as well as conducting surveys. I took advantage of the surveys to try and find a counterpart (a person interested to work with me in the community work).
​
It is difficult - especially in the rural areas - to find someone who is championed and willing to work with a Volunteer on development with nothing to benefit for themselves in return. I tried to work with a couple of people that didn’t work out before I met a young man named Foster, who is now my counterpart. A lot of these people assumed I was going to be giving them a little something at the end of their time, for the help they were giving their community, and when I made it clear this was voluntary work most of the them were no longer interested.

​I first met Foster during one of the days I was conducting surveys at his parent’s house. He offered to translate some of the questions I was asking his father in Chitumbuka since I wasn't that good in the language yet. It was helpful, and I asked him if he would be willing to help me translate for the rest of the surveys. He was very eager and willing to help. 
​
Since then Foster has helped me enjoy my time and learn a lot of things in this community. We usually hang out every day and he is helpful when it comes to development. With his passion for development he has committed to help his community by being my counterpart and he wants to see his community develop for the better, while asking for nothing from me in return. 

I believe if a lot of young people were committed to being on the forefront in development works of their communities there would be a lot less for me to do as a Volunteer coming in. Instead there could be volunteers within the communities impacting other young men and women on how they can better help themselves and their community develop. This young man, Foster, with a heart for development has changed me as a youth to take the lead in development not just as a Volunteer, but as a citizen of the nation. They say, "young people are the leaders of tomorrow," but I guess the tomorrow is now. We need more young people to be champions of development in their local communities as this young man named Foster.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Chauncey Simba - from November 2017 

I arrived at Pre-Service Training in Dedza together with four other Trainees from Lilongwe about a month ago. I was so excited about changing my life and I believed this opportunity to be a Volunteer came timely. I thought to myself that this was a chance for me to prove to myself how helpful I could be and was an opportunity to change the life of someone in a rural community. 
 
Now Pre-Service Training is over. Volunteers had a great time together, spent a month learning everything like how life will be in their host communities. We made good relationships and we believed we were a great team.

​After our Swear-In Ceremony, Volunteers had to leave for their perspective sites. The journey begins now, work awaits in the field, and it was time to experience the real world. I was excited and at the same time afraid of what the community would be like - and the fact that I couldn't sleep the night before I left for my site made it worse. I was thinking and imaging how my community would be, how they would treat me, and how they would work with me. 
 
I arrived at my site together with fellow Mzimba Volunteers - Hope and Khwima - with excitement, a good feeling, and nothing but love for my new community. We were warmly welcomed by the chiefs, the school teachers and our host families. It was an exciting moment and I felt to myself that I was indeed the young man this community has been waiting for.

A few days later, after I was settled, it was time for me to face reality. I had never been to this side of the country and actually stay here, had never spoken the Chitumbuka language before, and I had no option but learn the language. I became to feel overwhelmed, upset, and irritated much of my first days in my new community; I had no idea it would be this hard. What made it hard was the language, I only knew how to greet someone, and I was embarrassed to talk to people around. This was an unfamiliar environment for me where language ruled.
 
Well, things changed dramatically for me when one of my landlord's sons showed up on my door one day and greeted me with a language I grew up with (Chichewa). He came to check if I needed anything. And yes, this was my opportunity. He was a guy who could help me learn the language and my way around here. I found a best friend that day, and although I had felt frustrated for a couple of days this day I felt so excited and hopeful. 
​
Since meeting my landlord’s son I have felt at home and I love that I'm learning the language. It is making my work easier, and I'm so grateful for that because now I can understand and speak a little bit. The journey has just begun, walk with me!

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Ms. Shyreen Kossam
 
My typical day as a Volunteer revolves around giving out my time and energy to the people in my community. It is hard to pin point all my projects and activities that I'm doing in Dedza east currently, but below is a basic run down of my day. Hopefully this will give you a sense of what life is like as a Volunteer with CorpsAfrica. 
 
07:00 am RISE WITH THE SUN
I mostly start my day at 7 o'clock. I wake up, take a cold bath (something you get used to after a while), and dress for the day. Usually my outfit is a piece of cloth (chitenje) and a T-shirt of some kind, along with comfortable shoes. This is something I get dirty in playing with the kids. My breakfast is always something simple, bread with peanut butter\potatoes, or cereal. This small meal keeps me fueled up and full throughout the day.
 
08:00 am OUT OF DOOR
In the morning I arrive at the Hunger Project, our partner organization. This is where my office is as a Volunteer and where I prepare for the day. What I prepare depends on the kind of activities and assignments I have for the day, whether its writing proposals, filling out my Google forms reporting, writing a blog, teaching at the primary school, or working with the youth. 
 
10:00-01:00pm THE MOST ENJOYANLE PART OF THE DAY
I jump on my bike, heading to the school or the community as a whole. I work with Roman Catholic primary school where I teach life skills and agriculture in grade 5. I also help with marking and assignments if the teachers are busy and plan more lessons and other activities. This is always a win\win for me, I get to help with the school and at the same time enhance my skills and gain confidence. 
 
02:00to 04:30 BACK AT THE HUNGER PROJECT
This is the usual time we have lunch as co-workers. In total we are six. Three from the loan department, two guys (Chris and Fannel) and a girl (Georgina). And then me, James (my site mate), and Abraham the epicenter officer. Me and Georgina do the cooking and we eat together as a group. This is the best experience of my life as a Volunteer. Making friends and sharing our life time stories. After lunch, it’s time for the youth friendly group. We discuss issues concerning HIV\AIDS, give career talks, and talk about entrepreneurship.  Sometimes we perform dramas and music for the people in the community. This is part of our entertainment as well as education for the people. 
 
06:00 DINNER WITH MY HOST FAMILY
I head home, we prepare dinner together, and we usually listen to the radio at this time.
 
08:00pm WINDING DOWN FROM THE DAY
Having a goodnight sleep with a smile on my face.
 
Volunteering with CorpsAfrica has been a great experience for me. I'm learning a lot and discovering a world I didn't know existed. 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Malawi Volunteer Ms. Twambilire Kalolokesya

The Home of Hope Orphanage offers education opportunities to boys and girls from kindergarten all the way to vocational school. One common pattern that has been observed within these opportunities for students is that girls perform poorly in class more than boys. 

When I had a chat with the secondary school girls, I asked them why they do not perform as well in school as their male counterparts. These girls gave several reasons, one of them being because the school does not allow them to have group discussions with boys. They said boys are more intelligent and if they could have discussions with them after school they could also improve in their studies. At first I thought they were joking, but the girls insisted that they seriously believed that it was a concrete reason. 

The longer I’ve stayed at the orphanage, the closer I’ve become to a female form three student called Faith, who seemed to be different than other girls. She showed a lot of confidence in her ability to do well in class, she talked of her determination to get very good grades and make it to the college of medicine after her form four exams.

One day the secondary school head teacher showed me Faith’s school report and it was amazing. The girl got distinctions in most of her subjects (and mostly science subjects). The head teacher told me about how Faith always remains in the top two of the class, asks teachers what she has to do in order to make it to the college of medicine, and also tells the teachers the challenges she faces with her friends because of her high performance in class. The head teacher said that sometimes she comes to the staff room with tears in her eyes because of what her friends have said to her. 

Despite all her challenges, Faith says that she will keep on working hard because she knows what she wants to achieve, and she will not allow peer pressure to change her focus. She chooses to be different even if her friends do not like it, and she helps out fellow students that need help with their studies.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Chauncey Simba
 
"He who brings sunlight into the lives of others cannot keep it for himself." – African proverb. 
 
Most of the young people who have volunteered with CorpsAfrica are probably in agreement with the words of this proverb. By giving their time, commitment, talents, and their whole heart to the local community, Volunteers have learnt a lot and have discovered their own potential and abilities.
 
It was hard to tell for the first few months how one could benefit from being a volunteer. Nine months down the line and Volunteers can now tell how they have benefited, especially from the relationships they’ve made with their community members. For example, Volunteer James says, "Before volunteering, I didn't have the reason to believe that both me and my community could benefit from one other, but now I know it’s possible". 
 
It is not only James who did not know how volunteering could benefit both his community and himself; a lot of the Volunteers didn't realize this. 
 
Volunteer Shyreen said, "Volunteering has helped me discover some things that I'm good at as well as develop new skills that I have learnt from the rural community I'm living in. Giving my time and energy to my community has given me a sense of satisfaction and empowerment knowing that I'm making a difference in other people's lives. This service will also offer me an incredible networking relationship, through my partner organization – The Hunger Project. I'm developing long lasting personal and professional relationships that will empower my life and give it a purpose." 

​Some of the Volunteers believe volunteering can bring a sense of empowerment to the individual dedicating their time to volunteer. This sense of empowerment can look like personal growth or knowledge that Volunteers gain while making a difference in their communities. At the beginning of their service, the majority of Volunteers did not have any idea how they would interact around their host community or how they would benefit in terms of personal growth.  
 
"Before I became a Volunteer, I used to doubt my abilities and my potential, but through the challenges I’ve faced during these past nine months, I must say I have really spread my wings. I've grown as a person and I now believe in myself more. So yeah, volunteering has empowered me. I've been more independent and self-reliant. I don't regret becoming a CorpsAfrica Volunteer at all," says Volunteer Caroline. 

​There is no doubt that a lot of Volunteers have so many positive things to say about their CorpsAfrica experience. These young people have gained a deeper understanding of both their communities and themselves. In my community I can say I have learned that people may sometimes need guidance with dignity rather than total dependency on others. I encourage you to become a volunteer, bring change, and make a difference for Malawi. The community is waiting for people like you! 

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Silvester Kunkeyani
 
A soccer ball, simple but very powerful. Have you ever wondered what magical power soccer possesses that makes people so obsessed with it? Well, knowing how powerful this sport can be, we organized a girl’s empowerment camp where Peace Corps collaborated with CorpsAfrica to deliver the most powerful Grassroot Soccer (GRS) camp at Tukombo Girls Secondary School from 5th -9th July 2018. By definition (from their website) GRS is an adolescent health organization that leverages the power of soccer to educate, inspire, and mobilize youth in developing countries to overcome their greatest health challenges, live healthier, more productive lives, and be agents for change in their communities. GRS connects young people with the mentors, information, and health services they need to thrive, and empowers adolescents to make educated choices about pressing health challenges such as HIV/AIDS, sexual health, gender-based violence, and malaria. 

Before the actual event at Tukombo Girls Secondary School in Nkhata Bay district, 25 Facilitators including six volunteers from CorpsAfrica, six volunteers from Peace Corps, 11 local teachers and one medical doctor from Kamuzu Central hospital gathered for a 2-day preparation workshop at Sambani Lodge in Nkhata Bay district. After two days of preparation and teach backs we headed to Tukombo girls where we were warmly welcomed by 200 young girls including 175 girls from Tukombo Girls Secondary School and 25 girls from Kalowa Community Day Secondary School.
​
GRS developed the “SKILLZ” curriculum, which focuses on using the world’s most popular sport to help boys and girls adopt healthy lifestyles. Through a series of interactive activities and discussions, students from both Tukombo and Kalowa gained an understanding of HIV and AIDS. Key topics included avoiding risks, building support networks, increasing knowledge about testing and treatment, addressing gender issues and fighting peer pressure. Perhaps one of the most important features of the SKILLZ curriculum is that it provides young people with a safe space to talk in places where both HIV/AIDS and their victims have historically been stigmatized.

Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer Mr. Dingaan Kafundu
 
You know how Malawi is one of the hottest nations in southern Africa, with temperatures reaching all the way up to 48°C in some regions? You will find people walking around with just vests and shorts and others just bluntly go topless (and I’m not only talking about the men). Well, whoever was passing out this memo forgot to include the district of Dedza. 
 
To put it frankly, Dedza’s weather is crazy. At best, the district is warm. But even in warm weather, where the sun is out, it’s still windy and you have to carry a sweater with you just for good measure. Now, picture Dedza in the cold winter months of June and July and you’ve got Moscow in Malawi. Alright, a bit of exaggeration but you get the drift. 
​
Dedza weather is crazy. You wake up in the morning and you immediately wish you hadn’t. You start cursing the day you signed up to work. It’s 8:00 in the morning but it’s still dark outside with no sun in sight. Gloves and any headgear that covers your ears is a must, especially when you’ve got ears like Dumbo, like I do. You walk out and immediately your body starts shivering. Did I say, Dedza weather is crazy?
 
Now, this being my first time spending an extended period of time in Dedza, I thought well, this surely can’t get any worse. Ha! Joke's on me. It was as if Dedza had accepted my challenge. Out of nowhere, the skies opened up and it decided to rain. Now I’m not talking about little drizzles flying around. No, I’m talking full on rain pouring down. Cold, windy, icy rain. I was nowhere near prepared. I didn’t expect this. 
 
So, this is me basically telling anyone who is thinking of spending some time in Dedza, to not forget to pack up every single warm thing you have. You’re going to need it. Never has a hot water bottle to sleep with at night looked more attractive.