When I first stepped into my role as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer, I had a clear vision to make a tangible impact in my community in Mulanje district. I imagined organizing meetings, working on community development projects, and collaborating with passionate individuals to create real change. But what I didn’t anticipate was how the process of change would challenge me, not just in the community, but within myself.

The first few weeks were full of excitement. I started integrating into the community, teaching at a primary school, and connecting with local youth. It felt like I was doing the right things, yet something was missing. I was checking all the boxes, but deep down, I knew I was only scratching the surface. I realized that while I was involved in many activities, I wasn’t truly making a difference because I wasn’t yet connecting deeply with the people around me.

Then, something shifted. I started listening, not just hearing, but truly listening. I began having one-on-one conversations with community members, not just about their daily struggles but about their skills, their community assets, the skills they would like to develop, their dreams, frustrations, and hopes for a better future, all while keeping the “five Why” technique in mind. These weren’t just discussions; they became bridges of trust. I learned that real development isn’t about rushing to provide solutions, but about creating a space where people feel safe enough to share their concerns and ideas.

One afternoon, after a community meeting, I lingered behind as a local farmer approached me hesitantly. She shared how her crop yields had been declining due to a lack of resources and changing weather patterns. Instead of rushing to offer advice, I asked her more questions about her land, her past harvests, and what she had tried before. As she spoke, I saw her posture change, her voice becoming more confident. By simply listening, I was doing something more powerful than giving a quick solution: I was validating her experiences, showing her that her voice mattered.

That moment stayed with me. It made me realize how often people are told what to do, rather than being given the space to think, reflect, and contribute to their own solutions. It’s easy to want to jump in and fix things, but I learned that sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is listen, understand, and help people empower themselves.

As I continue this journey with CorpsAfrica, I remind myself that real change happens through collaboration. I may not have all the answers, but I can help create an environment where everyone’s voice matters. And as I grow with the community, I hold on to one truth: the real magic happens outside the comfort zone.