It was Wednesday  afternoon , and I decided it was time for a quick nap before diving into the evening’s activities in the community. Just as I started to drift off, a burst of noise  awakened me.  I sat up, confused, and asked, “What’s going on?” Suddenly, all eyes were on me, followed by laughter. I couldn’t help but look around, wondering what was so funny on me. Was there something on my face? Nope, nothing funny about me!

But then, my mind recalled my host dad’s words about the village’s name, Karsi Kunda. It all made sense. You see, “Karsiteejeh” in Mandinka means “no problem.” The village shortened it to “Karsi,” which explains why noise and laughter are just part of the charm here, no big deal, just a little joy in the air, they said..

So, I slowly made my way back to my room, smiling at the memory, and decided to join in the fun. The laughter and shouting continued, and with it, I felt more and more integrated into the walls of this vibrant community. Karsi Kunda is a place where noise isn’t a nuisance, but a sign of life, of laughter, and of living traditions.

Located  in the URR (Upper River Region) of the Kantora District , Karsi Kunda is about 401.3 km from the capital city, but it’s so much more than just a dot on the map. It’s a village with a soul, with a history that stretches back over 1,000 years. The surrounding hills and fertile fields and trees have witnessed countless stories, each one adding a new layer to this community’s rich heritage and history.

I can still remember the first time I set foot in Karsi Kunda. It felt like stepping into a storybook of the kind with a captivating cover, and a promise of adventure within. The people here have a unique way of making you feel at home right away, like you’re part of something much bigger than yourself. The children greet you with wide smiles, full of curiosity and love, while the elders pass on stories and traditions that have stood the test of time.

There’s a deep sense of belonging here, a timeless bond between the people and their land, and it’s impossible not to be drawn into the  lines of their lives. So, even though my nap was cut short, it turned into a perfect moment to reflect on how much I was truly becoming a part of Karsi Kunda’s heartbeat. After all, in Karsi Kunda, there’s no problem  just laughter, love, and living history that makes it children sing the values of very bit of its culture and tradition leaving no corners unrecognized and no space unfilled.