Attaya, the tea chain that never Ends
The Attaya Marathon Begins In Kenya, “Let’s have tea” is a quick ten-minute affair. In Senegal, tea is not just a drink; it’s a lifestyle, a commitment, and honestly, a full-time occupation. The first time I experienced attaya, I thought I’d accidentally joined a tea marathon. It was right after lunch, the sun blazing, when […]
When the Rain Fell: A Lesson in Commitment from Mzimba
Volunteering with CorpsAfrica has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Coming from Ghana to serve in Malawi has opened my eyes to new ways of thinking, living, and connecting with communities. Each day in Mzimba has brought lessons that go beyond development work, lessons about resilience, unity, and shared purpose. But […]
Finding my place in Siwol
I had spent hours—maybe days—rehearsing my speech. Sticky notes everywhere. Imagining the perfect Wolof accent. That morning, my friend Maty Mbaye BA called. Her voice full of patience and drama. “Emily, are you ready? Just relax.” I tried. I really tried. However, my internal monologue had other plans. What if I forget everything? Why do […]
Creating Lasting Impact: The Ripple Effect of CorpsAfrica Service in Jiffin Community
Located in the Lower River Region of The Gambia, Jiffin Community, like many rural areas, faces challenges including limited income opportunities, youth unemployment, climate vulnerability, and lack of reliable transportation, particularly during medical emergencies. During his year of service as a CorpsAfrica Exchange Volunteer, James Kaguyu Njau from Kenya worked closely with the people of […]
Reviving old wisdom: How a Charcoal Briquettes making activity sparked new appreciation of the past
During one of my routine walks through the community, I encountered a man on the road who immediately drew my attention with his thoughtful demeanor. He greeted me warmly and asked if I knew anything about diseases affecting pawpaw seedlings, explaining that many of his seedlings had been dying. I admitted I did not know […]
When the Little Things Made All the Difference
When I first arrived in Malawi as a CorpsAfrica Exchange Volunteer, I knew this would be more than just another year of service. It was going to test my adaptability, openness, and willingness to learn. Coming from Ghana, I thought I understood what integration meant. But Malawi taught me that true integration is not about […]
My ‘Baby in the Manger’ Moment: How a Goat Welcomed Me into the Community
The day had been long and hot, with the kind of heat that clings to your skin and refuses to let go. I had spent the morning going door to door, visiting households and checking in on families. The red earth clung to my sandals, my clothes were damp with sweat, and my legs begged […]
Embracing the Unknown: How Cultural Exchange Shaped My Leadership Journey
Sometimes in life, we stand between the familiar and the unknown and the choice we make in that moment can change everything. Leaving home is never easy. Leaving behind the place where you were born, where every face feels familiar, and where every sound carries a memory, takes courage the kind we rarely talk about. […]
From Ghana to Kenya: A Journey of Service, Learning, and Adaptation
Having served in Ghana as a volunteer, my journey began with a six-week intensive pre-service training that prepared me to facilitate community development using Community-Led Development (CLD), Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), and Human-Centered Design (HCD). Those tools became more than concepts; they became my compass. During my community service in Ghana, they guided me through […]
Doing It Again: From Malawi to Kenya
As I joined CorpsAfrica Kenya as an exchange volunteer, I often wondered what it would feel like to go through the entire volunteering process again, including Pre-Service Training. Would it feel repetitive going through the same lessons? Would I simply be reliving my first experience in Malawi? The questions lingered, mixed with a quiet fear […]