Becoming Part of the Community
Before joining CorpsAfrica, I used to believe it took months, sometimes even years, to feel comfortable in a new environment. Many of my friends felt the same way. From high school to university, integrating into a new space always required patience and time. It felt manageable because we were surrounded by people of our own […]
Starting Small, Growing Strong
My journey with CorpsAfrica Rwanda started on May 15, 2025, when I submitted my application to become a volunteer. I didn’t know what the future held, but I had hope and the courage to face it. After a few weeks, I received an email inviting me to an interview. I prepared myself and went in […]
Unforgettable Moments with My Little Friends Benigne and Hervin
As I reflect on my time with my host children, Benigne and Hervin, my heart fills with joy and warmth. From the very first moment we met, it felt as though we had known each other for a lifetime. These two little bundles of energy, aged two and four, welcomed me with open arms, and […]
Stepping into the Unknown
For as long as I can remember, I carried a quiet passion for helping others. Volunteering felt like a dream tucked away in the corners of my heart, something I admired from afar but never imagined I would actually do. That changed the day CorpsAfrica opened a door I never thought I could walk through. […]
My Lifetime Lessons with CorpsAfrica
In February 2023, I made a decision that would change the course of my life. Motivated by a strong desire to give back to my community especially after witnessing how organizations like FAWE Rwanda empowered disadvantaged youth I applied to become a CorpsAfrica volunteer. What I didn’t know then was that this choice would transform […]
Growing Dreams, Empowering Futures
During my time as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Ethiopia, I watched rural youth transform before my eyes. Their energy, ideas, and determination had the power to shift entire communities. With each hands-on project, I saw confidence bloom, skills sharpen, and small actions ripple into meaningful change. Those experiences left a mark that continues to shape […]
Hearts That Connect, Hands That Teach
My name is Marguerite Umutesi, a CorpsAfrica Volunteer serving in Musanze District, Kinigi Sector, Nyonirima Cell, Kanyampereri Village. My journey as a volunteer has been filled with meaningful encounters and learning experiences that continue to shape how I view community development. This week, two moments stood out for me: one showed the power of human […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]