If anyone had asked me about my petition five months ago, my reply would have been the same: I just want to be successful this time around with my CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer application.
I was applying for a CorpsAfrica/Malawi Volunteer opportunity for the third time, and this time, I vowed to make it work. From following CorpsAfrica’s social media pages to reaching out to alumni for guidance, I did everything I could to prepare myself. Every post I read and every story I listened to reignited my determination to make my dream of becoming a CorpsAfrica Volunteer come true.
When I received the email inviting me to an interview, I felt a spark of hope. But when I later got the message that I had been selected, that I had finally made it,; it became one of the happiest and most fulfilling moments of my life. It was more than an achievement; it was a dream turned into reality.
During the Pre-Service Training (PST), I was deeply impressed. What I had imagined as a transformative experience actually exceeded my expectations. Each session was an eye-opener, from human-centredhuman-centredhuman-centered design to community facilitation and leadership. I began to visualize how I would work hand in hand with my future community, learning from them and helping to bring about sustainable, positive change.
When I learnt that I had been deployed to Mzimba, far away from home, it didn’t sit well with me. For a moment, I thought of giving up. But then I remembered what had pushed me to apply for the third time, my determination to serve, and I knew I had to find a way. Eventually, I did.
Fast forward, and another challenge arose. Being in my community has never been easy, especially because of the language barrier. I often wondered how I would build relationships with people when we could barely understand each other. In the beginning, I spent most of my time indoors, hesitant and unsure. But as I started opening up, the community also opened up to me. Seeing my efforts to communicate in their language, they too began to meet me halfway, trying to speak in mine. Slowly, we began to understand one another, not just through words, but through shared experiences and mutual respect.
Now, as I continue this journey of service, I am filled with a profound sense of purpose and gratitude. I know it will not always be easy, community development never is, but I am ready to listen, learn, and grow alongside the people I serve.
Being a CorpsAfrica Volunteer is not just about giving back; it’s about becoming a bridge of change, connecting dreams to possibilities, challenges to solutions, and communities to hope.
This is the beginning of a new chapter, one that is rooted in service, learning, and transformation. And I can’t wait to see how this journey unfolds.
