After a 5-week Pre-Service Training, I started my service as a CorpsAfrica volunteer in Zomba District, Southern part of Malawi. I felt both nervous and excited. I was excited to meet new people, learn about a new culture, and apply what I had learned. But as the first volunteer placed at my site,I wondered if the community would accept me and if I could easily adapt.This is the story of how I became part of the community.
My first week was very encouraging. The community was friendly and welcoming. People came to greet me, and some even brought me food like makaka and nsima made from mapira, nandolo,vegetables,okra,tomatoes. This made me feel hopeful, and I started to think that Zomba could be my new home.
My host Mother was very supportive. She introduced me to community leaders and invited me to social events. We planned an introductory meeting, but only a few people came. Luckily, that week there was a large gathering for a farm-subsidy program, with people from 13 villages. I saw it as my chance to introduce myself. Since I am not a good public speaker, I doubted myself but nervously I gave my speech. I introduced myself and explained the mission of CorpsAfrica and our approaches, Human-Centered Design, Community Led Development and Asset-Based Community Development.
In my second week, I spent much of my time in one-on-one visits, and teaching at the CBCC to become more familiar to the community by interacting with the children. I also participated in different community activities like road maintenance, helping at the under-five clinic, and working in the fields. I wanted to show that I was there to be a part of them. I also helped the Mwawanthu women’s group establish a kitchen garden as a way to empower them and sustain themselves.
However, working with the community was not always smooth. At one point, I felt like I was not making a difference. A bigger challenge came when the youths were unwilling to work with me and did not come to any of my meetings. With the help of the Village Development Committee’s (VDC), I talked with them and listened to their views , and we found a way to work together .Now, we meet regularly to discuss income-generating activities. Their commitment is so strong that they have started contributing their own money to these ideas.
Also I started a Junior CorpsAfrica . I help the children with their schoolwork, we play games and sports, and we do community activities like cleaning the borehole. I have also led awareness campaigns on career guidance and Sexual and Reproductive Health.
My time here has taught me important lessons. First, trust is built by doing things together. To connect with a community, you must be empathetic and join their activities. This is how they start to see you as one of them. Second, be a Facilitator and a listener and not an expert. Listen to what the community wants, not what you think they need.
My journey is just one example of how a person can help to make a change. I encourage you to learn about the communities around you. Listen to their stories, see their strengths, and ask how you can help.The first step is always the hardest, but it is the one that matters most.
