In the village where I was born and raised, poverty is a serious problem. Families and businesses often struggle and opportunities for change are rare. Without resources and support, most our problems usually do not get solved.

When Cocoa Life and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) introduced CAPs to our community, I knew it was the start of something special. The process begin with community-led discussion. Everyone was encouraged to come. The assembly constituents were mostly adults, many of them women, as well as the school head, the chief and community elders. These discussions opened all of our minds to the challenges we face together. By getting each person's input on what they need, we were able to reflect them in the CAP.

We also elect our own Community Development Committee to identify what our priorities should be. The chief and three opinion leaders are on the committee in my village. They don't normally cross paths, but the CAP has brought them together.

One priority was to restore the local kindergarten classroom. Because of poor upkeep and a lack of funding, the building was in a bad state and close to collapse. Our community met and decided we had to act, so that our children can learn without being in physical harm. As a first solution, we proposed to move one class to the church room and used the library for another classroom while plans were made for repairs.

Once the community decision had been confirmed in a vote, the community leaders contacted the district assembly, requesting they visit the kindergarten, and sent them a project proposal. After the visit, the district agreed to fund the project. The community participated in the reconstruction of the classrooms, by providing land, and helping the construction workers during the project. Thanks to the CAP process, we now have a safe kindergarten block for our children to learn in.

This became one of the first development projects successfully voted into our CAP.

I'm grateful to Cocoa Life and VSO for introducing us to such a valuable tool. With CAPs, we have the power to speak up and advocate for ourselves. We also do a better job of listening to each other, sharing ideas and learning how to get involved in community activities. I'm excited to bring even more new projects to life and continue seeing my community grow along the way. There is incredible power in all of us coming together.