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 local leaders had been informed about the arrival of the Volunteer in their village.

The initial days were a whirlwind of introductions and information sharing. I presented CorpsAfrica’s mission, vision, goal, and approach to the local leaders, emphasizing our commitment to community-led development. In turn, they provided invaluable insights into the unique characteristics of the village, its people, and their resources. Immersion became my primary focus. I dedicated myself to learning the lay of the land, both physically and socially. This involved traversing the village, noting landmarks and infrastructure, and engaging in conversations with community members. Understanding the local economy, particularly the importance of agriculture, was also paramount. Collaboration with my host family and local leaders became the cornerstone of my integration process. Active participation was key. I readily assisted with daily chores, helping my host family with tasks such as feeding their livestock. I also attended community assemblies and meetings, observing the dynamics of local governance and community decision-making.

The first two weeks were defined by countless conversations and shared experiences. I walked alongside villagers, participating in their daily activities and listening to their stories of triumph and resilience. While initial skepticism was present in some interactions, I remained committed to building trust through consistent engagement and genuine empathy. With each conversation, a bridge was formed, and a mutual understanding began to emerge. I emphasized that I was not there to impose solutions but to work alongside the community to co-create sustainable development initiatives.

As I stand at the commencement of this journey, I am filled with eager anticipation for the chapters that lie ahead. I am confident that this experience will be transformative, shaping my perspective and solidifying my commitment to serving others. I eagerly embrace the opportunity to become an effective catalyst for enduring, community-led development, forever cherishing this opportunity to make a meaningful difference.