“All is well that ends well,” describes my volunteer journey in Malawi – a tale woven with challenges and victories that led me to the warm heart of Africa. Before setting foot in this beautiful land, I navigated through a whirlwind of emotions and complexities as it would be the first time that I would leave my children behind for this long. The meticulous planning required for my special needs son proved daunting, testing my initial resolve and determination. Yet, as pieces miraculously fell into place, I took it as a divine sign to step forward with confidence and enthusiasm, embracing the unknown.
Fate paired me with a fellow volunteer bound for Congo aboard an Ethiopian airlines’ flight to Addis Ababa. We shared stories so similar, you’d think we came from the same womb, despite our different races! I was inspired to pour my emotions into a heartfelt poem titled, “This Desert’s Oasis,” a prayerful reflection capturing my inner quest for purpose and fulfillment, setting the tone for a new chapter of creativity, service, and growth amidst the captivating landscapes of Malawi. Landscapes of unending green, the colour of creativity. Was I returning to where I belonged? Were these events divinely orchestrated for a greater purpose?
A group photo with trainees on day two of the three-day workshop at the Linthipe Farmers Co-op in Dedza, Central Malawi.
My next flight took me to Lilongwe, to the warm embrace of the African sun and its sun-bathed people who would welcome me with open arms as I left behind the chilly Canadian winter. Radiant smiles and a concern for others was immediately apparent as people helped me locate my driver who was delayed. But soon, the heat enveloped me, and without air conditioning or a fan, I felt as if tossed into an oven. I caught on quickly that power outages and water shortages were a frequent occurrence, especially in the area where I resided, adding to the challenge. Mosquito nets and bug spray became my steadfast companions in the battle against relentless mosquitoes, who took advantage of my sleepy jet-lagged state.
Connectivity proved to be a different kind of challenge. To stay connected and functional, I had to juggle a multitude of gadgets and accessories – a little Wi-Fi box, a power bar, a power bank, a converter, chargers for my various devices – in a handbag that was fat with content. My unreliable Wi-Fi became my daily frustration, testing my patience and leading me to morning prayers for miracles.
Despite these challenges, the generosity and warmth of the Malawian people never ceased to amaze, making me feel welcome and valued. Whether it was the cheerful bicycle and motorbike transportation guys persuading me in Chichewa to hop onboard, the persistent hawkers trying to sell me their wares in the local language, and the young man buying me pain medication without hesitation, their genuine interactions and smiles touched my heart. I found solace in the vibrant community spirit that permeated every aspect of life in Malawi.
The unity and camaraderie I witnessed among the locals were a breath of fresh air. Whether it was the salon ladies sharing meals – dipping nsima from a central platter into a shared bowl of stew – the tailors supporting each other by picking up the slack, the mourners putting aside everything to escort a body to its final resting place, or the supportive togetherness in my workplace, the culture of unity and support was evident everywhere I went. At the Co-operative Development Foundation of Canada (CDF Canada) and the Malawi Federation of Cooperatives Ltd. (MAFECO), this supportive ethos drove sustainable change. Working with local co–operatives in the Dedza District, I witnessed the power of collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable development unfolded daily before my eyes.
Everyone was willing and ready to contribute to the success of my venture – from the Monday morning meetings that enlightened me, to the open-door policy of both the Country Program Officer (CPO) and the regional director, the driver, the accountant, the young janitor, and the other volunteers. I found myself wanting to come to work because it was enjoyable and nurturing. The supportive environment and collaborative spirit of my colleagues inspired me to push past my limits and strive for excellence.
After completing a needs assessment, my project’s trajectory became one of empowering primary producers, both at the co-op and at the individual levels. This became a cornerstone for enhancing agricultural practices, financial management and fostering growth and empowerment within the community. I am writing this reflection on April 10, 2024, and I have just returned from the last of my follow-up sessions – with only five days left until my departure. My kids called me yesterday to tell me how many hours remained before they could see me again. But as much as I long to see my kids, and to do so soon, I also feel connected to the Dedza primary producers who willingly entered a place of vulnerability to share their personal and co-operative stories, their fears and personal challenges, visions and desires, and their self-doubts, allowing me to enter that space with them daily for the duration of the needs assessment and the three-day workshop. They trusted me to help them map out their futures and work out issues together – in that raw place of vulnerability. Even though the roads to some of the co-op locations were full of potholes and the distances so long that by the end of the back-and-forth travel, I would drop right on my favourite couch and fall asleep from the “full shaken body massage” I received and from sheer exhaustion, these people’s readiness to learn was neither to be taken lightly nor for granted. It was an act of humility. Of respect. And of trust.
A follow-up meeting: Kapilimutu Farmers Co-op in Dedza, Malawi.
It is no wonder that my follow–up visits to the Dedza co-ops were all very encouraging, with most trainees from the three-day workshop eager to share and showcase the steps they had so far taken since the training. Others even revealed that they had been approached by non-co-op members wanting to be taught what they had learned at the workshop These trainees were ready to learn, grow, and listen to and act upon the knowledge gleaned at the engaging and hands-on workshop. They expended great energy on the three-day runway and have now taken off and entered flight. With the reassurance of further follow-ups and continued support of CDF Canada’s CPO in Malawi, the regional director, and MAFECO, I am comforted and trust that it is time for me to go back home to my kids.
Outside of my work as a volunteer with CDF Canada, I immersed myself in the beauty and challenges of Malawi, embracing the values of resilience ingrained in the land and its people. As Easter holidays approached, I decided to escape to the serene shores of Lake Malawi for a much-needed break. However, a series of misadventures, from exorbitant hotel prices to unexpected price changes, to my inflamed gums preventing me from eating the food I had bought so expensively, to spending much of my time there sleeping due to exhaustion, all tested my resilience, pushing me to adapt to the unpredictability of life in a foreign land.
Engaging in a cross-cultural exchange put me on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery, expanding my horizons and helping me to gain a better understanding of global issues. The lessons learned and the experiences shared with the community transformed me in ways more profound than I had anticipated, sparking a passion for more service, more impact, and a brighter, more inclusive world. The echoes of shared struggles and triumphs resonated in the heart of Malawi, weaving a story of transformation and hope for a better tomorrow.
And now, as the sun sets over the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the land, the promise of a brighter future shimmers brightly in the hearts of all who dare to dream and strive for a better world. In this part of the world, challenges birth victories, and unity paves the way for change. Each moment of connection and each challenge faced becomes threads in the fabric of transformation and of empowerment. And far off in the future, I can feel the echoes of this journey, evolving into more visions of growth, of strategic engagement, and of greater impact. This will forever be etched in the story of my voyage to the warm part of this continent – Africa, the beautiful. To be remembered as a story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a more sustainable, inclusive world. Thank you, Malawi. Thank you all.