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.