March arrived with the rhythm of rain. The community slowed down, turning its focus to gardens, planting with hope after last season’s drought. For me, activities were fewer, but each carried meaning. With Grace, we planted spinach and carrots in old drums and torn water tank parts proof that even broken things can hold new life.
Mama Kinyaa became my pivot this month. She called me three times to join her activities, ensuring I had something to write in my report. Together we burned charcoal, laughed, and shared stories with her daughter. From her, I learned the full process of making charcoal a skill I never imagined I would gain. She also showed me how they plant using pangas, simple but effective methods that reminded me that knowledge often lives in everyday practice.
Community meetings, however, were not easy. Attendance was low, and pushing for contributions toward account opening was a challenge. Being the last among Meru volunteers to register gave me pressure, but I never showed it to the community. Instead, I encouraged them to keep pace with others. Leadership wrangles surfaced too arguments over who should do what but eventually, disagreements turned into agreements. Faith, our volunteer liaison, played a key role in guiding us, and now the account might finally be opened next week.
Innovation also found its way back. My second attempt at growing azolla is taking shape after the first failed when algae grew more than the azolla. Persistence is teaching me patience. At Rugusu Comprehensive School, I enjoyed teaching Grade 7 learners about volunteerism and community service. Their curiosity reminded me why service matters.
Another highlight was attending the farmers’ show at Ngare Ndare, organized by Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. I was among those tasked with explaining what Corps Africa does with communities. Standing there, pitching our work, I felt the weight of representation but also the joy of seeing onlookers satisfied with my points. It was a glimpse of how pitching might look in bigger spaces.
As the service takes a short break for in‑service training in Nairobi, I look back at how far I’ve come. The journey has been challenging yet deeply educative. If it was easy, everyone could have done it. But for me, the service has built a kind of toughness. And yes, I almost forgot together with Diana and Shazmin, my nearest volunteers, we made a video that I edited. Seeing it posted on Corps Africa Kenya’s Instagram page boosted my confidence and reminded me that even small creative acts can carry big impact.
March may have been slow, but in the rain, seeds were planted seeds of resilience, skills, and confidence. Seeds that will grow into contributions, both for the community and for me.
