Written by Mr. Essaid Meria, a Moroccan Exchange Volunteer who served with CorpsAfrica/Rwanda.
Strategies and programs aimed at achieving meaningful change in rural communities are often advocated by international organizations active in volunteerism. These organizations typically focus on training young people with university degrees in various disciplines. They organize multiple meetings to identify community priorities, assess needs, and research sustainable solutions to complex local challenges across sectors such as education, health, environment, agriculture, and infrastructure.
However, the most essential approaches that truly impact the targeted social groups are often overlooked. So, what are these approaches?
I have volunteered with CorpsAfrica twice, first in Morocco (2021-2022) and then in Rwanda (2022-2023). My experience has shown that CorpsAfrica fosters a unique type of volunteering. It has often been said that CorpsAfrica creates impactful and developmental work, both for volunteers and the communities they serve.
I would like to share some of the memorable moments I have experienced with CorpsAfrica. My inspiration for writing comes from daily life in my site, Cyanturo Village, where I serve as a CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Volunteer.
Through CorpsAfrica/Rwanda’s methodology, I have come to believe that transforming the daily lives of targeted communities begins with changing the behaviors and social practices of Volunteers themselves. Before changing communities, we must first change ourselves. This became clear to me during a regular day when I shared experiences and knowledge with the local population. On November 18th, Morocco’s Independence Day, I felt nostalgic for my home country and for celebrating with friends and family. Yet, I embraced my role in Rwanda, embarking on a new humanitarian and social journey.
On that day at my site, a weekly community meeting took place, where locals reviewed recent activities and proposed new ideas. These discussions often focus on collective efforts to improve village life, including infrastructure development and mutual support between families.
One strategy adopted by the community struck me as particularly effective: a small-scale financial savings initiative. Each member contributes a small amount, usually less than one dollar per week. During this session, I observed the community saving over $25 collectively, an amount that varies depending on participation.
The meeting had only 14 attendees, mostly young women aged 23 to 31. Typically, 30 to 50 people attend weekly meetings, but heavy rainfall limited attendance. Despite this, those present brought remarkable energy and a collective spirit that was inspiring to witness.
After the savings exercise, I realized it was an ideal opportunity to introduce Community Mapping, one of the key approaches CorpsAfrica/Rwanda uses to engage geographically, demographically, and resource-targeted communities.
I began by defining the approach, explaining its stages, and emphasizing its importance in understanding the current state of the community. Together, we mapped the village, organized infrastructure, public and health facilities, residential areas, and green spaces. This process was participatory and consensual, with ideas exchanged openly and collaboratively. While artistic skill was not required, participants used colors and symbols to represent various facilities. I was amazed at how the community identified its assets and needs for sustainable development.
Community mapping has transformed many of my prior efforts, which had often produced little result. Approaches like Human-Centered Design and Asset-Based Community Development are essential for unlocking a community’s potential.
In conclusion, I believe that CorpsAfrica in other countries could learn from the experience of CorpsAfrica/Rwanda. The program effectively frames young people, helping them understand the importance of changing their attitudes and practices before attempting to change the communities they serve. Community mapping, combined with action, is a powerful catalyst for meaningful development.
