Winning Wednesday: Anitha's Journey from Komera to CorpsAfrica
Winning Wednesday Anitha’s Story
This Winning Wednesday, we are spotlighting our amazing alumna, Anitha, and her success growing up with the guidance of Komera, to entering a service term with CorpsAfrica, where she has been able to make hands-on differences in her community. CorpsAfrica is an organization that empowers youth across Africa to volunteer in their own communities and help expand educational access, reduce poverty, and improve healthcare coverage. Centered in CorpsAfrica's goals of engaging, inspiring, connecting, and building up her community, Anitha shared her story of triumph with us. Here's what she had to say!
Where It All Started
"My story began while I was in secondary school, when Komera selected me. I remained resilient in school, contributed to a meaningful life by participating in casual construction work to earn a living for my vulnerable family. I kept growing from worst to best. My next journey from university life to CorpsAfrica Volunteer and Change-Maker made me a different person.
After completing my university studies, I came across an opportunity to serve my country through CorpsAfrica Rwanda. Inspired by my previous experience with Komera, where I had learned self-confidence, leadership, savings culture, and the importance of giving back to the community, I decided to apply."
Komera Skills CorpsAfrica Service
"The confidence and life skills gained through Komera helped me successfully pass the written assessment and interview process, earning me the opportunity to serve as a CorpsAfrica Volunteer. Throughout my service year, I worked closely with community members in rural areas of Rulindo to identify local challenges and develop sustainable solutions. Together, we established savings groups, kitchen gardens, youth economic initiatives, environmental activities, ICT learning opportunities, and livestock projects that improved livelihoods and strengthened community resilience positively impacting over 1000 people"
Her Reason Why
"My motivation to serve came from my own story. Just as others had supported me in accessing education and personal development opportunities, I felt a strong responsibility to help others improve their lives. I was particularly passionate about working with children, youth, and adults, empowering them to discover their potential and create positive change within their communities."
Looking Ahead Grounded in the Past
"Beyond the skills and experience I gained, the volunteer stipend helped me with financial responsibility. With the savings habits I learned from Komera, I was able to support my parents and siblings, meet some of my personal needs, and continue building my savings for the future.
Today, I am proud of the impact we created together and grateful for the journey that transformed me into a more confident leader and community servant. The lessons of service, saving, leadership, and resilience continue to guide me as I prepare for the next chapter of my life and career."
Supporting Scholars
We are so deeply proud to have an amazing alumna like Anitha doing impactful work in her community. For more information on how we support Komera scholars as they make their way through secondary school, click here. And if you are interested in supporting scholars like Anitha, you can become a sponsor and uplift Komera scholars who are making impactful changes in their communities.