The Power of a Smile
During my service with CorpsAfrica in Rwanda, I’ve come to learn that impact often hides in the simplest exchanges, like a smile. Not all smiles come easily. Some bloom instantly, bright, open, and ready to meet you halfway. Others take time, unfolding slowly like morning light, revealing stories hidden beneath the surface. A smile can […]
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 […]
From Fear To Belonging
“Questions for the gods to answer.”Funny enough, this was what came to mind after asking myself the following questions: “Do I have to convert to Islam before I can integrate with the people of Dehia?” “Should I take along a buta and hijab?” “Will the community be neat, or filled with scattered animal droppings?” “Is […]
From Fear to Family: Building Bonds through CorpsAfrica/Kenya
Since time immemorial, I’ve known I wanted to work with marginalized populations. Growing up in one, I understood early on that this wasn’t just a career choice it was my purpose. So, when the opportunity to join CorpsAfrica/Kenya came knocking, I didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t a tough decision; it was simply the next step in […]
From Dream to Reality: My meaningful journey as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer
The first day I arrived in the community (SouthWest Ethiopia, Shishinde (Keffa) District, Wana Bolla Kebele) as a CorpsAfrica/Ethiopia Volunteer, I was filled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. To my delight, my host father was waiting for my arrival. I had already spoken to my host father before boarding the bus, and the […]
In My Gallery
As I scrolled through my phone gallery one evening, something struck me deeply. Picture after picture, I didn’t just see images; I saw stories, smiles, sweat, and transformation. My gallery is no longer filled with selfies or scenery. It has become a living archive of my service and my community’s journey. There are kitchen gardens […]
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 […]
Building More Than Bricks
When I first received my deployment notice from CorpsAfrica/Rwanda to serve as a Volunteer in the Save Sector of Gisagara District, I was filled with fear and uncertainty. I remember the tears in my eyes as I packed my bags, wondering how I would adapt to a completely new community, far from everything familiar. Questions […]
From Accra to Addis: My Life Changing Journey as a CorpsAfrica Exchange Volunteer in Ethiopia
The world often feels smaller and more connected than we imagine, and my current adventure is a testament to that. As a CorpsAfrica Volunteer from Ghana, I’ve traded the vibrant colors and familiar rhythms of home for a new chapter in the breathtaking landscapes and rich culture of Ethiopia, serving as an Exchange Volunteer with […]
A Festive Christmas in Chanyoli Community
Christmas in Chanyoli is a celebration like no other, filled with vibrant energy and unforgettable moments. The day began with a flurry of activity as people dressed up in their best attire, music echoed throughout the community, and the streets came alive with excitement. Children, adorned in beautiful new dresses, laughed and played, adding to […]