December 15th, 2025 marked a turning point in my life. It was the day I left my comfort zone, my home, and the place where I was born, to go to a community I had never been to before: Jobe Kunda, Lower River Region (LRR). This was more than a physical journey; it was emotional. I was leaving familiarity behind and stepping into the unknown.
We departed early in the morning and travelled for hours. Along the way, volunteers were dropped off one after the other. With each stop, the vehicle grew quieter, and the reality of deployment weighed heavier. By the time we stopped in Soma for lunch, I already felt the weight of being alone.
After lunch, the journey continued. As evening approached, I watched the road stretch endlessly ahead. Finally, after the last stop, I was the one dropped. In that moment, the words of our mentor Khalifa echoed in my mind: “You are on your own.” And truly, I was.
I arrived in my community around 6:50 p.m., just in time for prayer. I went straight to the mosque, and after prayers, I returned home. My host family welcomed me warmly. Shortly after, they took me to the Alkalo’s house. As a sign of respect, I carried cola nuts with me and presented them to the Alkalo myself. That first interaction was simple, yet powerful – my formal introduction to the community’s leadership.
The next morning, I returned to the Alkalo’s house for my first official interaction with the community elders. I introduced CorpsAfrica, explaining who we are, why I am here, and our mission. The cola nuts I had brought the night before were shared among the elders, symbolizing respect and hospitality. That moment marked the beginning of my integration into the community.
Later that day, I visited a nearby community where one of my fellow volunteers had been posted. She could not speak Fula, the local language, so I helped her introduce herself to her host mother. Acting as a bridge reminded me how valuable communication is in community work. Afterward, we went together to the rice farms, observing daily life and understanding the realities of the people we are here to serve.
On our way back, we passed through Sitahuma, where we stopped by a school to introduce ourselves and CorpsAfrica to the teachers and students. I had never been to this school before, but standing there and engaging with the teachers and learners gave me a sense of purpose and connection to the community.
At the school, I left my phone and tablet with one of the teachers, Mr. Touray, so he could charge them for me. While waiting, I sat with the teachers and engaged in conversation. Together with my colleague, Ramatulie Secka, we explained the purpose of CorpsAfrica and our presence in the region. The discussion was warm and welcoming, and it made me feel even more connected to the community.
Later, the volunteer returned to her community, but I stayed behind. After some time, I entered a Grade 6 classroom to interact with the students. What started as a simple visit became a meaningful experience. We exchanged ideas, I advised them, and I taught them basic French greetings. The students were engaged, curious, and full of energy.
On my way home, I held one-on-one conversations with some community members and spent some time working at the charcoal factory. The people were open and welcoming, and before I knew it, I had become known throughout the community. Am actually the celebrity of my community , a title I carry with humility and gratitude.
When the session ended, I stepped outside and informed the students that I was leaving. Before I could go, they made a humble request ,that, if possible, I come twice a week to teach them. Their request touched me deeply. In that moment, I realized that service does not always begin with projects or plans; sometimes, it begins with presence.
That day, from departure to nightfall, from elders to students, from conversations to work in the community, I understood something important: I had truly left my comfort zone and in doing so, I had begun to find my place and purpose.
