In the heart of Ghana’s Northern Region, a quiet but determined leader found her voice and purpose, through service.

Nimatu Abdul-Rahaman, a 2023/2024 CorpsAfrica/Ghana Volunteer and now the Executive Director of Girls Empowerment Mission (GEM-Ghana), shares a story that reminds us how community-centered development can transform not only villages, but individuals too.

During her service year, Nimatu immersed herself in community life, where she learned to manage people, strengthen group collaboration, and communicate effectively. Participatory planning became second nature through regular meetings, dialogues, and genuine conversations with residents.

But the most powerful lessons came from vulnerability.

“I was frustrated once,” Nimatu recalls, “and I opened up to an older man in the community. His words changed everything: ‘Even if the project doesn’t succeed as you hope, you will forever be remembered by this community.’ That helped me keep going.”

Through her CorpsAfrica experience, Nimatu gained hands-on project management, cultural competency, and leadership skills. These learnings now anchor her work at GEM-Ghana, where she supports young people through mentorship, digital training, and entrepreneurship programs.

In her current role, Nimatu is a changemaker in every sense. She channels her CorpsAfrica training into organizing impactful initiatives, guiding youth, and promoting inclusive development through outreach programs. Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is born from listening, learning, and lifting others.

“I am constantly drawing from my CorpsAfrica lessons,” she says. “They remind me to stay open to new ideas, to prioritize group success, and to always lead with empathy.”

From a dedicated volunteer to a national youth advocate, Nimatu’s path proves that when service is rooted in humility and learning, it becomes a lifelong mission.