On a warm August afternoon, the gates of St. Mary’s Pastoral Centre opened to welcome 65 of us, strangers at first but all carrying a shared curiosity about the journey ahead. The air was alive with anticipation. We weren’t just stepping into a training program; we were stepping into a community of passionate young Africans ready to make a difference.
That first evening was filled with cautious smiles and polite handshakes, the kind that slowly turned into laughter and easy conversation. By morning, Pre-Service Training (PST) had begun. It wasn’t a rigid classroom; it was a living space for learning, unlearning, and relearning. The CorpsAfrica/Kenya staff moved among us less as instructors and more as companions, making the experience feel collaborative rather than formal.
Each day had its own rhythm: deep discussions, fresh perspectives on development, and moments that reminded us to breathe. A trip to Hell’s Gate National Park offered a much-needed pause, the wind carrying away fatigue and making room for the weeks ahead. Then came Cultural Night, a celebration of heritage and pride where our group performed “Echoes of the Nile,” a tribute to the roots that connect us all.
The real test awaited in Belbur during Community-Based Training (CBT). Leaving the familiar comfort of St. Mary’s for an unfamiliar community brought both excitement and unease. But fear softened quickly in the warmth of our host families. We pressed briquettes, stirred yoghurt, mixed liquid soap, and, most importantly, shared ideas and dreams. CBT became more than an exercise; it was the bridge between theory and meaningful action.
Returning to St. Mary’s felt like coming home with new eyes. Football games on the grass felt lighter, bike rides brighter, quiet moments by the pool richer. I had the honor of leading the team that organized the Group 4 Swearing-In Ceremony, a proud moment that tied together weeks of growth.
Looking back, PST was not just a chapter. It was a turning point. I arrived curious and eager; I leave as a facilitator, a connector, and a catalyst for change.
To the communities I will soon serve, here is my promise: I come not as an expert, but as a listener, a learner, and a partner in creating something meaningful—together.