When I was entering the world of post-secondary education after finishing high school, I had virtually no idea what I wanted to do with my life. However, I was certain of the fact that I wanted to work in a field where I could work alongside passionate people towards a cause that is important to me. It is for that reason that I chose the University of Waterloo’s International Development program and its partnership with the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) international volunteer opportunities. Throughout my entire university career, I was looking forward to the opportunity to travel to work directly with an organization for eight months during my fourth year in September 2021, as collaborating with individuals and communities to make positive long-lasting change was to be the highlight of my post-secondary experience.
Unfortunately, as with many things, the COVID-19 pandemic affected my ability to travel to Malawi and work with Kwathu Ndi Kwanu as a Communications and Partnership Officer. Though this was upsetting news to be dealt, the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu team immediately welcomed me to the team with open arms and encouragement. I felt engaged from the very start of my e-volunteering assignment as we spent time getting to know one another, discussing projects over Google Meet and navigating our way around the substantial time difference between Ontario and Malawi.
Flash forward approximately three months to January of 2022, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision to go forward with remotely volunteering with Kwathu Ndi Kwanu. I have discovered so much about myself, the incredible young women I work with, and the communities the organization supports in the last 90 days. I am always thrilled to share my experience and personal anecdotes with loved ones, strangers, and almost anyone who will listen! When entering this position, I thought I had an extensive understanding of how social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter operated, but I was quickly shown that I still had a lot to learn. I have expanded my knowledge and overall marketing skills on social media and improved my content creation while working with the communications team all while continuing to be creative in designing graphics and writing engaging copy for posts.
Personal and professional development matters aside, working with the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu team has been a dream due to the organization’s dedication to its partnerships with local artisans, young single mothers, and survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). I have been a passionate intersectional feminist since my early high school days and had always hoped to work with a cause that aligns with my values. Knowing that the work Kwathu Ndi Kwanu organizes with local artisans directly supports young single mothers and GBV survivors makes the work I do with the organization feel even more rewarding than it already is. Despite the time and space between myself, the team, and our partners, I feel incredibly connected and wholeheartedly welcomed in the organization. If I could travel back in time to let a younger version of myself know that at the age of 22, I would not only be studying a topic I am passionate about but also working directly with an organization that shares virtually every single personal value I hold close to my heart I doubt she would believe me, but she would be elated.
I truly hope to visit the Kwathu Ndi Kwanu and WUSC teams at some point, as I would like to thank them personally for the tremendous life-changing opportunity to work with such an impactful organization in such unprecedented times. I have only reached the halfway point of the duration of my placement, and I have so much more room to grow with the guidance and support from the incredible team I have been paired with. I cannot describe the joy that comes with volunteering for an organization that aligns with your personal values, so I can only suggest you simply do it yourself to feel that joy too.
