In February, my adventure with CorpsAfrica/Rwanda began as I fell upon the application link. Enchanted, I carefully explored the qualifications and delved into their social media to seize their ‘About us’ section what they do, and the conditions as well. Eager to contribute, I navigated the extensive application process, ensuring precision for a shot at being selected.
After patiently waiting, I woke up one morning with an email in late July inviting me for an interview. During my internship in the Gakenke district, I couldn’t help that I sought insights from Jackson, a former CorpsAfrica volunteer. On the interview day, I grabbed my ticket to a bus and drove to the CorpsAfrica/Rwanda office, meeting a formidable interview team that I never imagined. Despite my nerves at the moment, the conversation was captivating, marking my initiation into the interview process.
The long-awaited congratulations arrived on July 23, 2023, signaling my selection to join the CorpsAfrica/Rwanda family. Details for the Pre-Service Training (PST), including location, start date, and duration, followed. Grateful for passing the interview, I eagerly prepared for this very exciting next phase.
PST unfolded as CorpsAfrica Rwanda presented its philosophy and mandates. Immersed in Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) and Human-Centered Design (HCD) community development approaches, I acquired the needed skills for community facilitation, and one of the staff member’s hymns resonated “We get paid by bringing value to the marketplace,” greatly motivated me for the challenges ahead.
In the middle of PST, the challenging task of site selection arose. Choosing Nyamagabe seemed complex at first due to its well-known hilly terrain. Conversations with fellow volunteers who had previously served there instilled some kind of confidence. The PST concluded with a visit to the Liberation train, showcasing Rwanda’s transformation through volunteer efforts, igniting a fire within me to contribute similarly as we came to know the act of volunteering originated from there.
The swearing-in ceremony became a moment of joy and eagerness, armed with knowledge gained during the six weeks of PST. The day of actual service dawned with a long journey to my host family in Nyamagabe. By 10 pm, I felt welcomed and embraced, setting the stage for my integration into the community. Activities unfolded as I actively listened and engaged, becoming an integral part of the community-led development process.
As I began this transformative journey, so far, I realized that through empowerment and mindset changing, everyone can contribute to the development of the country. Thanks to the CorpsAfrica development approaches, they are helping communities identify and maximize existing resources and ensuring that the solutions are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of individuals, creating a sense of ownership. Stepping forward, I invite you to stay tuned for updates. Together, let’s explore the unfolding chapters of my role in catalyzing community-led development in my homeland, Rwanda.
