As I reflect on my integration phase, I can’t help but feel overjoyed and warm-hearted by the way the community has embraced me. The opportunity to learn, connect, and share in the simple joys of life has been one of the greatest gifts since I began volunteering with CorpsAfrica.

My first week was filled with fear and doubt about whether I would truly be accepted. However, those fears were quickly eased by the community members, whose curiosity about who we are and what CorpsAfrica represents opened a space for communication and understanding. I found myself navigating the balance between being a strict, task-focused volunteer and being one who walks with empathy at the centre of their service. I was reminded of advice once shared by a CorpsAfrica alumnus: be your genuine self, and the path of working with community members will become clear.

From initially struggling to communicate in the local language, I am now able to hold conversations, attend family events such as Christmas dinners, New Year celebrations, and weddings, and truly feel part of everyday village life. I’ve learned that the impact of volunteering is not only found in words, but in building lasting bonds and creating a psychologically safe environment where people feel valued and seen.

Some of my most meaningful memories during this integration phase include learning about beekeeping and its benefits for both community health and the ecosystem. I learned how hives can be created using locally available materials, and how beekeeping can open opportunities for youth while also serving as an educational tool for teaching children about bees, their habitats, and their importance beyond just honey production.

Another memorable experience was being invited by a community member to spend Christmas and New Year with her family. During this time, I experienced a mix of joy and homesickness, but above all, a deep sense of belonging. I was treated as though I had always been part of the family, and we shared our different cultures and traditions through food and conversation. This experience taught me how deeply the community values family and moments that bring people together.

Attending weddings was another powerful part of my integration. The first wedding I attended in the village was also the first wedding I had ever experienced. I was extremely nervous, but the community members welcomed me warmly, introduced me as their own, and stayed by my side throughout the event. What began with anxiety quickly turned into laughter, joy, and unforgettable memories. At another wedding in a neighbouring village, where I initially only knew the family I arrived with, I left feeling connected to many new faces and stories.

At first, I was hesitant to share my personal challenges with the community. When I finally did, I was met with support and care that showed me just how harmonious and united the community can be, not only toward one another, but toward a volunteer learning to find their place. My integration has largely been about understanding community dynamics, interests, and readiness for community-led development. I’ve also come to accept that while there is great positivity, there will be challenges shaped by individual motivations and interests.

I’ve already encountered moments of both enthusiasm and hesitation, but I am using these experiences as learning tools to help foster motivation and inclusion. With the support of committed community members, I know the journey ahead will not be easy, but we will move forward step by step. What gives me confidence is knowing that I am not doing this alone. I am working alongside a community that believes in its own power and potential.

This month, community members have begun sharing ideas for activities and training they believe would benefit the village, and some have offered their time and skills to make them possible. Soon, we will begin implementing these ideas, continuing to learn together and create memories that will shape the future of community-led development.