I will Learn to Understand than to be Understood : Reflections from my Volunteer Journey with the International Citizenship Service (ICS)

Some journeys transform you so deeply that they become part of who you are. Volunteering with the UK Government's International Citizenship Service (ICS) program in 2015 was one of those journeys for me. I joined the program after hearing incredible stories from friends who served in Cape Coast and Abrobiano in the Central Region of Ghana. I was driven by a desire to grow, to serve, and to make a meaningful contribution to a community I had never known, and in the process, I discovered more about myself than I ever imagined.

Livingstone and his colleague participated in a cultural dance during a community entry event.

I was placed in a farming community in Adaklu in the Volta Region, where I worked alongside both Ghanaian and UK volunteers as part of the pioneer cohorts of the ICS volunteers in the area. We focused on livelihoods, working closely with women and youth groups, the District Assembly, community leaders, and local organizations like the Anfoe Youth Network. Our goal was to understand the challenges farmers faced and co-create sustainable ways to improve their lives.

Though Adaklu Waya was our primary community, we achieved significant results in a nearby community, Adaklu Anfoe, where we lived and built stronger day-to-day relationships with community members. Being part of the pioneer cycle came with responsibility and pride. We laid the groundwork for future volunteers to build upon.

Livingstone led the conversations with the queen mother of the community on behalf of the team.

As part of the ICS model, we were encouraged to set personal development goals. Mine were clear:

1. Deepen my skills in community development.

2. Learn to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

3. Build experience that would strengthen my prospects for employment.

I learned quickly that development isn’t just about constructing buildings; it’s about empowering people, listening deeply, and co-creating change. Initially, I struggled to understand the UK volunteers’ accents and held the assumption that communicating with foreigners was inherently difficult. But through shared work and mutual respect, those barriers dissolved. I not only grew professionally but also personally, gaining confidence and cultural fluency I hadn't imagined.

I was paired with Cameron MacFarlane Ovenell, a 19-year-old from the South of England. Though our personalities differed, we learned to compromise and coexist peacefully in our host home. We were even named “Star Counterpart Pair” in our 8th week for hosting a memorable team bonding night. Our differences became strengths. That experience taught me that collaboration is less about similarity and more about shared purpose.

Livingstone and his partner won the Star Counterpart Pair for organizing a memorable cohort bonding activity.

Our host, Mr. Justice Edem Zorh, welcomed us with open arms. A liaison officer and social worker, he understood the heart of our project and created an environment where learning could thrive. Though we lived in a compound house with shared facilities, it reminded me of home and felt familiar. There were many “aha” moments, but one stuck with me. During one of our team learning sessions called “Nyanukemenya” (Know What I Know), a colleague shared this quote:

“I will learn to understand rather than to be understood always.”
I posted it by my bed and lived by it every day. That mindset changed the way I listened, collaborated, and responded. It made me a better teammate and a more thoughtful leader.

I leaned into my creative strengths during the placement. I designed our team’s banner, painted inscriptions on our office, created educational murals at a local school, and even composed a team song that lived on beyond our cycle. I volunteered to teach visual arts in a summer school we organized, and used my local language (Ewe) fluency to facilitate meetings with farmer groups. I even served as the MC for two major awareness events, helping me overcome my fear of public speaking.

Livingstone and teammates designed the walls of a classroom to enhance the learning environment.

      

Livingstone painted the organization's logo for easy recognition of the office in the community.

Our presence in Adaklu Waya was felt. From awareness campaigns to training sessions, we engaged the community and inspired participation. Even more profoundly, the experience transformed me. I reconnected with the culture of my region through dances, festivals, and traditions I hadn’t fully explored growing up. I discovered my potential for acting, my passion for art, and my gift for public speaking.

Volunteering with ICS taught me that change begins with empathy. The quote I discovered during the program continues to guide me: “I will learn to understand rather than to be understood always.” That mindset has shaped my work ever since. It reminds me that service is not about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, learning, and growing with the people you serve.

Livingstone MC'd the first awareness-raising event in the Adaklu Waya community.

Livingstone played the lead character in a roleplay to educate the community on the importance of savings.

Livingstone received a Certificate of  Achievement endorsed by the Rt. Hon. David Cameron MP, Prime Minister of the UK.