My journey as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer began on May 1st, 2025, when I discovered the application link. After carefully reviewing the requirements, I applied with hope and determination. As I waited for feedback, I carried a deep dream: to serve rural communities, particularly youth, by working alongside them to improve livelihoods, strengthen self-reliance, and promote sustainable development. I believed this dream was possible because CorpsAfrica equips its volunteers with transformative training, building both technical skills and the humility needed to empower communities from within.
On June 28th, 2025, I received an invitation for an interview, which I completed on July 14th. A week later, on July 21st, I received confirmation of my acceptance. That message brought overwhelming joy and marked the fulfillment of prayers and the beginning of a purpose-driven journey.
Pre-Service Training began on July 27th, lasting 45 intensive days. During this time, I gained deep knowledge in community-led development, learned the role of a volunteer as a facilitator, catalyst, and listener, and was equipped with practical tools such as Community Mapping, the Innovator Compass, and the CorpsAfrica Mindsets: empathy, humility, assertiveness, experimentation, and understanding power.
On September 7th, 2025, I was deployed to Kigoma Village, Gatovu Cell, Ruhashya Sector, Huye District, in Rwanda’s Southern Province. I was warmly welcomed by my host mother, Uwizeyimana Francine, whose kindness, guidance, and values of humility, empathy, and faith greatly shaped my service. With the support of local leadership, especially Mr. Rukundo Samson, the Village Leader, I quickly integrated into the community through household visits, community meetings, community works, and engagement with existing groups.
Within my first three weeks, I mobilized youth to form the ABASHYIZEHAMWE Youth Saving Group Kigoma, starting with 85 members. The group was established to promote unity, goal-oriented saving, self-reliance, and solutions to local challenges, including improving nutrition through kitchen gardens. Today, members save 400 RWF weekly, with total savings reaching approximately 640,000 RWF, a powerful example of how small collective actions create lasting impact.
In conclusion, I am deeply grateful to God, the CorpsAfrica/Rwanda Staff Team, my host mother, local leaders, my liaison Uwisanzе Ange Diane, the Ruhashya Volunteers Team, and all members of ABASHYIZEHAMWE Youth Saving Group. This journey has taught me that small changes make big impacts, and that community service is love in action. When we approach communities with humility and empathy, they not only listen, they reveal their strength, potential, and ability to lead their own development.
