During my time as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer in Ethiopia, I watched rural youth transform before my eyes. Their energy, ideas, and determination had the power to shift entire communities. With each hands-on project, I saw confidence bloom, skills sharpen, and small actions ripple into meaningful change. Those experiences left a mark that continues to shape how I approach development work today.

Now, serving in Rwanda, I walk alongside communities where opportunities, especially for women and girls, remain scarce. Early marriages, heavy household responsibilities, and barriers to education often limit their potential. Supporting them is not just about providing resources; it is about creating spaces where they can lead, share ideas, and shape the future of their own communities.

Rural youth hold the heartbeat of their villages. Their voices are often overlooked, yet they carry local knowledge, creativity, and practical solutions. When empowered, they strengthen social bonds, inspire others to act, and drive the resilience of their communities. Offering opportunities locally helps keep their talent and energy rooted at home, fostering sustainable progress that grows from within.

There are many pathways for change. Agriculture and agribusiness open doors through sustainable farming, irrigation techniques, value addition, and market access, turning farming into a viable career. Education and vocational training, from carpentry and tailoring to digital skills and small-business management, equip youth with the tools to tackle local challenges. Leadership and civic engagement allow young people to influence decisions and participate fully in community life. Technology and innovation connect them to education, markets, and networks, sparking entrepreneurship and creativity. Celebrating and preserving cultural traditions strengthens community pride and creates opportunities in creative industries.

I have witnessed how rural youth and women, when given the chance, become catalysts of change. They innovate solutions that fit their communities, strengthen social cohesion, and inspire others to act. Their growth benefits not just themselves but their families, local economies, and the resilience of entire communities.

Rural youth and women are not merely beneficiaries. They are true partners in development. When supported to unlock their potential, they lead initiatives, shape sustainable progress, and craft a brighter future from the ground up. Investing in them is investing in the future of the community itself.