Why I Choose to Join Groups: Lessons from an African Proverb

Why I Join Groups: Exploring the Value of Community and Collaboration

In life, we are shaped not only by our experiences but also by the people and groups we choose to surround ourselves with. Some friends have often asked me, "Why do you like joining groups?" It's a question that might seem straightforward, but its answer reveals deeper insights into my values, motivations, and aspirations. In this exploration, I want to share why being part of communities matters to me and how it has become a cornerstone of my journey.

The Value of Collaboration and Shared Goals

There's a popular African proverb that says, "If a child is roasting palm nuts and some are missing, they will quench the fire to search for the remaining ones." This resonates deeply with the idea of collaboration. Groups and communities provide us with the tools, support, and encouragement to complete what we may lack as individuals. They help us quench our metaphorical fires, not to stop our progress, but to gather the missing pieces necessary for growth.

Joining a group is not a sign of weakness but of wisdom. It acknowledges that we, as humans, thrive better in collaboration than in isolation. Through groups, I have learned to…