When Magombe Muzamiru, a CorpsAfrica Uganda Exchange Volunteer, began his Year 2 service in Mutuuma village, Kenya, he quickly learned that change starts with listening.

The women of Mutuuma were looking for ways to supplement their income beyond farming. Together—with Magombe facilitating the process—they used the Innovator’s Compass, a community-centered problem-solving tool, to explore possible solutions. Ideas ranged from poultry keeping and charcoal briquette making to beadwork and crafts. But one idea stood out for its practicality and universal use: bar soap making.

That’s how the Marete Soap Women Initiative was born.

Starting with just 50 bars a week, the group of 85 women began producing and selling soap within the community. As demand grew, they doubled production to 100 bars weekly, giving the women consistent income and empowering them to manage household expenses more efficiently.

Women like Madam Makena no longer need to buy soap from the market—instead, she makes and sells it, tripling her monthly savings from 500 Ksh to 1,500 Ksh. Her story mirrors dozens of others in the group—proof that local solutions, led by the community, can spark real economic resilience.

“Real change happens when communities lead their own solutions,” Magombe reflects.

This is what the CorpsAfrica Volunteer Program is all about—connecting young African changemakers across borders to co-create sustainable, community-driven solutions that leave a lasting impact.