By Emelli Laleska Souza, Brazil

My Journey at CICD and in Malawi with DAPP

This journey, from CICD to Malawi, changed the way I see the world and deepened my commitment to continue working for a more just world, with opportunities for all.

My experience at CICD was intense, challenging, and incredibly enriching. During the three months of preparation, I went through moments of great learning. One of the most remarkable aspects was the multicultural environment: colleagues from different parts of the world, especially some Brazilians, became like family to me, a little piece of home in a foreign country. English was our official language, and although it sometimes posed a barrier, it was never a real obstacle. The desire to communicate was always stronger than any linguistic difficulty.

The routine at CICD was demanding. We spent many hours in the classroom, but what truly excited me were the practical lessons. At CICD, you learn by doing, making mistakes, and improving. Through this, I developed essential skills such as cooperation, commitment, and resilience, qualities that proved fundamental in the months that followed.
After this intense preparation period, I traveled to Malawi as a volunteer in partnership with DAPP (Development Aid from People to People). The reality I encountered was even more challenging than I had imagined. I worked as a preschool supervisor, visiting several institutions in the communities of Dowa, where conditions were extremely precarious.

Despite the many challenges, this experience strengthened my belief that education is more than a right, it is a gateway to a future with dignity and opportunities.