One Saturday morning, after finishing my household chores, I had no particular plans for the day. I sat quietly, wondering how to make good use of my time. That’s when I heard a neighbor calling out names, organizing people for a trip to the farm. Curious and excited, I saw it as a wonderful opportunity to connect more with community members and experience their daily life firsthand. Without hesitation, I joined them, unaware that this spontaneous decision would create memories that would stay with me forever.
When we arrived at the farm, I met a few faces I had not encountered before, even though I had previously visited every household in the community. That moment reminded me of something we were told during training: integration is not a one-day event. It takes time, patience, and shared experiences to truly become part of a community. Everyone welcomed me warmly, and soon we were all busy preparing the land for planting maize. The sun was bright and hot, but our energy did not fade. We laughed, shared stories, and teased one another as we worked side by side. It amazed me how effortlessly they worked together. Everyone knew their role, and there was a sense of unity that made the hard labor enjoyable.
As I joined them in planting the maize, I asked questions about their farming techniques, the challenges they faced, and the methods they used to deal with pests or drought. They were happy to share their knowledge and appreciated my curiosity. They told me how farming sustains their families and brings the community together during planting and harvest seasons. Their dedication inspired me deeply, and I realized that farming was not just a livelihood for them, but a way of life that symbolized cooperation, resilience, and hope.
When we finally finished planting, the group broke into applause, cheering me for keeping up with their pace. I felt both humbled and grateful for their encouragement. Afterwards, I was invited to join them in picking fruit, and we gathered some to enjoy. Sharing coconuts and laughter, I felt a strong sense of belonging. In that moment, I wasn’t just a voluntee; I was part of the community.
That day reminded me that true connection comes from participation and humility. It also reflected the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach of CorpsAfrica, which focuses on recognizing and building upon the strengths and resources that already exist within the community. Through this experience, I learned that meaningful development begins with valuing people’s potential and working hand in hand with them.
Indeed, one simple day on the farm became a lifetime of memories.