Written by CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer, Mr. Chancy Simba
For the past eleven years of my life, I have been doing the same thing every day, every week, every month, and every year. I’ve spent time thinking to myself, “Will change ever come? Will I ever do something different from what I’ve known half of my life?” For once I wanted to do something different, stay in a different place where I have to start a new life altogether, and see what life is on the other side. And that’s exactly when CorpsAfrica came to the rescue, and I had the chance to do what I’d wished for.
My name is Chancy Simba and I am one of the CorpsAfrica Volunteers in the 2nd cohort in Malawi. I am currently doing my service in a rural community in Mzimba District, together with two other amazing Volunteers, Khwima and Hope.
When I first heard about CorpsAfrica, I was so excited for the opportunity to go and serve in a different setting of life. For many years I have been involved in sports, especially basketball, and have been playing the game actively, officiating, and coaching others how to play the game. But that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted a change. I received that change with CorpsAfrica.
I found myself living in an area I have never visited before; the northern region of Malawi. When I first arrived in Mzimba I whispered to myself, “Well Chancy, this is it!” Unlike most of my fellow Volunteers, almost all of them had host families, but hey not me. I went straight to staying alone and doing things on my own. I had to ask for directions to some important places like schools, chief’s houses, the clinic and the hospital. And just wait…I had to try and ask in Chitumbuka, a language I have never spoken before. And there was my first challenge; learning this new language quick, or else you may be misled. I’m proud to say now that I can speak and understand a little and I’m learning more every day.
Boom! Before I knew it myself and my site-mate had conducted our first meeting and it was awesome. We were warmly welcomed by the Traditional Authority, his eight Group Village Headman, and the Headmaster at the secondary school. They all promised to work with us anytime we need them, which gave us a good impression of our stay in Mzimba.
We also found a new basketball court at the school where the meeting was held, which gave me an idea of my integration project. In fact, the school has some students who are interested in playing basketball, they just need someone to help motivate them. How cool is that!? In no time I had started coming to the school and had started a basketball clinic with the youth around the school. I’m happy to say I have 20 plus young people whom I play with now, and am helping them learn more about the game of basketball.
It feels good to be the pillar of change in one’s life, and to have their life stories bring forth change in me as well. Everyone deserves to experience change for the better. Adventures are there to be taken and not to be feared, dreams are there to taken not ignored. The youth is meant to live, not just survive!
Watch this space!!!!
For the past eleven years of my life, I have been doing the same thing every day, every week, every month, and every year. I’ve spent time thinking to myself, “Will change ever come? Will I ever do something different from what I’ve known half of my life?” For once I wanted to do something different, stay in a different place where I have to start a new life altogether, and see what life is on the other side. And that’s exactly when CorpsAfrica came to the rescue, and I had the chance to do what I’d wished for.
My name is Chancy Simba and I am one of the CorpsAfrica Volunteers in the 2nd cohort in Malawi. I am currently doing my service in a rural community in Mzimba District, together with two other amazing Volunteers, Khwima and Hope.
When I first heard about CorpsAfrica, I was so excited for the opportunity to go and serve in a different setting of life. For many years I have been involved in sports, especially basketball, and have been playing the game actively, officiating, and coaching others how to play the game. But that wasn’t enough for me. I wanted a change. I received that change with CorpsAfrica.
I found myself living in an area I have never visited before; the northern region of Malawi. When I first arrived in Mzimba I whispered to myself, “Well Chancy, this is it!” Unlike most of my fellow Volunteers, almost all of them had host families, but hey not me. I went straight to staying alone and doing things on my own. I had to ask for directions to some important places like schools, chief’s houses, the clinic and the hospital. And just wait…I had to try and ask in Chitumbuka, a language I have never spoken before. And there was my first challenge; learning this new language quick, or else you may be misled. I’m proud to say now that I can speak and understand a little and I’m learning more every day.
Boom! Before I knew it myself and my site-mate had conducted our first meeting and it was awesome. We were warmly welcomed by the Traditional Authority, his eight Group Village Headman, and the Headmaster at the secondary school. They all promised to work with us anytime we need them, which gave us a good impression of our stay in Mzimba.
We also found a new basketball court at the school where the meeting was held, which gave me an idea of my integration project. In fact, the school has some students who are interested in playing basketball, they just need someone to help motivate them. How cool is that!? In no time I had started coming to the school and had started a basketball clinic with the youth around the school. I’m happy to say I have 20 plus young people whom I play with now, and am helping them learn more about the game of basketball.
It feels good to be the pillar of change in one’s life, and to have their life stories bring forth change in me as well. Everyone deserves to experience change for the better. Adventures are there to be taken and not to be feared, dreams are there to taken not ignored. The youth is meant to live, not just survive!
Watch this space!!!!
First meeting with the Traditional Authority Mzukuola, his 8 Group Village Headman, and the Head Teacher.
Khwima my sitemate (standing 2nd from left) posing after a game of ninja we played together with Mr. Banda-The Sports Teacher (standing on far right)
With some basketball girls and boys together with Mr. Banda (far right) and I (far left) after a team meeting.
All set for practice!! The basketball court of the school and a beautiful view of the clouds just before it rained.
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