As the sun rose over Friday, June 20, there was a quiet shift in the air. After four days of deep dialogue, learning, laughter, and movement building, Day Five of the CorpsAfrica All-Country Conference 2025 invited participants to pause, process, and prepare for what’s next.

It was a day of internal reflection and joyful closure, from visionary plenaries to emotional farewells. In the words of one Volunteer:

“We came as country teams. We leave as one movement.”

Morning Reflections: “Where the Story Goes From Here”

The day began with a poignant plenary titled “Reflections: Where the Story Goes From Here” — moderated by Moses Cofie, CorpsAfrica’s Regional Director, and Garrett Mason, Chief Training Officer.

“This isn’t the end of the story — it’s a new chapter. And we all have a role in writing it.”

In both English and French, stories flowed: stories of courage, connection, learning, and growth. Participants reflected on the impact of the week, not just through programs and partnerships, but through the deep sense of shared identity and responsibility that had emerged.

The CorpsAfrica Movement and the Future

The following session looked ahead: “The CorpsAfrica Movement and the Future”, again led by Moses Cofie and Garrett Mason. This forward-focused conversation centered on:

• Scaling the movement across new countries and communities
• Creating youth employment opportunities through service
• Leveraging volunteerism as a strategy for systems change

“CorpsAfrica is no longer a pilot — it’s a Pan-African model.”- Garett Mason, Chief Training Officer

Attendees explored how each Volunteer is both an ambassador and architect of this future, returning home not only with experience but with the responsibility to extend impact.

Closing Remarks and Wrap-Up

As the formal conference wound down, closing remarks by Moses Cofie reminded participants to carry the spirit of Ubuntu beyond the tents of the Kenya School of Government.

“What we’ve built together this week is more than a memory — it’s a movement we take back to our communities.”

The official wrap-up included closing announcements, shared appreciations, and logistical information before breaking for lunch, but there was already a sense that the most meaningful part of the day was still to come.

Afternoon Break: Reconnecting in Community

In the afternoon, participants journeyed to Two Rivers Mall and the Village Market, where they enjoyed lighthearted team time, souvenir shopping, and informal moments of connection.

It was a soft transition — one that created space for gratitude, laughter, and the calm before the celebration to come.

Farewell BBQ & Talent Night: One Last Dance Under the Nairobi Sky

As the sun dipped low, the CorpsAfrica family gathered one last time for the Farewell BBQ and Talent Night — a vibrant, heartfelt, and joyous culmination of the week.

Hosted by beloved MCs Lotan Salapei and Nelly Rwagitera, the evening was filled with open mic performances, dancing, poetry, music, and laughter. But it was the Official Exchange Volunteer Handover Ceremony that stole hearts.

Led by Mareme Ndour, the segment honored outgoing Exchange Volunteers, celebrated their contributions, and formally welcomed incoming XVs through flag exchange and heartfelt words from Country Directors.

“As one chapter closes, another opens — and we stand shoulder to shoulder across time zones, languages, and landscapes.”- Mareme Ndour

Finally, Liz Fanning, CorpsAfrica’s Founder and CEO, took the stage to officially declare the 2025 All-Country Conference closed — her words met with a standing ovation, applause, and a few tears.

Final Reflections: We Came to Learn. We Leave to Lead.

Day Five was not just an ending — it was a transition. A movement recharged. A network reborn. A story to be carried forward not in words, but in service, action, and example.

“We are more than participants. We are storytellers. We are changemakers. We are CorpsAfrica.”

With hugs exchanged, songs shared, and hearts full, the conference drew to a close — not with a period, but with a comma. Because this movement continues — in classrooms, in boardrooms, in villages, and in the dreams of every young person who now knows: they are enough to make a difference.