Building Belonging Through Volunteering: Cpt Chivayo’s Story
For Captain Joseph Chivayo, volunteering with the Army Cadets means making a positive difference, bringing communities together, and helping young people discover their potential.
A lawyer and civil servant based in the East Midlands, Cpt Chivayo is also a husband, father of three and dedicated Adult Volunteer. He currently serves as a Group Leader on the Army Cadets commissioning course, helping develop the next generation of Army Cadet Force (ACF) officers.
As part of Black History Month, we spoke with Cpt Chivayo about what inspired him to volunteer, the importance of representation, and why a sense of belonging is central to his Army Cadets experience.
Inspired by a Passion for Community Service
Like many volunteers, Cpt Chivayo had no previous military background when he decided to join the Army Cadets.
O summer riots in 2011 influenced his decision, highlighting the importance of community cohesion and creating positive opportunities for young people.
Seeing the impact individuals and organisations can have on their communities inspired him to take action.
He wanted to contribute to an organisation that encouraged service, developed life skills and offered young people opportunities to learn, grow and enjoy new experiences.
That motivation led him to apply to become an Adult Volunteer with Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (ACF).
For Cpt Chivayo, volunteering offered the chance to contribute to something bigger than himself while helping strengthen the communities around him.
A Proud Father and Army Cadets Volunteer
While Cpt Chivayo has had many rewarding moments with the Army Cadets, his proudest achievement is one he gets to experience every year.
For the past three years, his eldest daughter has also been a member of the Army Cadets, allowing them to share a particularly meaningful experience.
“I get to experience my proudest moment each year because the proudest moment in cadets is when I parade for Remembrance Day with my eldest daughter.”
Watching his daughter grow and develop through her own cadet journey has given him an even greater appreciation of the organisation’s impact.
However, he sees that same positive development in the many other young people he encounters through volunteering.
“Being part of cadets offers lifelong memories, adventure and helps improve cadets’ and adults’ wellbeing and resilience.”
Developing New Skills and Lasting Friendships
Volunteering with the Army Cadets has given Cpt Chivayo opportunities to learn new skills, explore different interests, and build friendships.
From ciclismo de montanha and photography to public relations, his experiences have helped him develop both personally and professionally.
He has also travelled across the UK to attend camps and activities, combining his enjoyment of the outdoors with his passion for volunteering.
Along the way, he has built close friendships with fellow Adult Volunteers and come to appreciate the value of teamwork better.
One of the most important lessons he has learnt is the meaning of selfless leadership.
“I have seen the value and importance of selfless leadership from other volunteers. People that go above and beyond to support each other in moments of challenge.”
He also values the shared identity and sense of equality that being part of the Army Cadets can create.
For Cpt Chivayo, the uniform represents more than membership of an organisation. It provides a shared sense of purpose, bringing together people from different backgrounds to work towards common goals.
Celebrating Black History Month and the Power of Representation
For Cpt Chivayo, Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions that Black people have made, and continue to make, to British society.
He believes it is an important time to share positive stories, challenge stereotypes and highlight achievements across a wide range of fields.
“Black History Month is a fantastic opportunity to spotlight the tangible and amazing positive difference Black people are making to British society.”
He also sees the month as an opportunity to encourage conversations, build understanding and celebrate the diversity that enriches communities. However, he believes recognition and celebration should extend beyond October.
“This celebration does not end at the end of Black History Month, it’s a way of life and we should do this every day.”
Representation matters to Cpt Chivayo, especially in encouraging young people to pursue opportunities they may not have considered before.
He believes seeing people from similar backgrounds in leadership positions can inspire confidence and help young people recognise their own potential.
“We need leaders at the highest level who are Black because that representation tells a young person that you too can do this.”
Creating a Sense of Belonging Through Diversity
Cpt Chivayo believes that having Adult Volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds is one of the Army Cadets’ greatest strengths.
Different cultures, experiences and perspectives bring new ideas and approaches to challenges, helping cadets and volunteers learn from one another.
“Variety is the spice of life. We are all created different, that means we approach problems differently.”
He believes that embracing these differences and working together towards a shared goal can lead to great achievements.
Throughout his volunteering journey, he has seen cadets and adults from different backgrounds build friendships, support one another, and develop a strong sense of belonging.
For Cpt Chivayo, this is particularly important in helping young people develop an appreciation for diversidade, teamwork and mutual respect.
By bringing people together through shared experiences and challenges, the Army Cadets help create an environment where individuals can celebrate their differences while recognising everything they have in common.
Encouraging More People to Volunteer
For anyone from the Black community considering becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV), Cpt Chivayo has a straightforward message.
“Do it.”
He acknowledges that volunteering may not be for everyone, but believes people should try it before deciding whether it is right for them.
He also recognises that a lack of representation can sometimes discourage people from exploring new opportunities.
“Sometimes we stop ourselves from seeking opportunities because we don’t see people like us in that sector or profession.”
His message is that people should not let uncertainty or unfamiliarity stop them from trying something new.
With a wide range of volunteering roles available, the Army Cadets offers opportunities for people with different skills, experiences and interests to make a positive contribution.
Cpt Chivayo believes that diversity should not simply be welcomed but actively celebrated, recognising the valuable contributions that individuals from different backgrounds can bring.
Could You Make a Difference as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer?
Like Cpt Chivayo, you could help inspire young people, strengthen your local community and develop valuable skills along the way.
You don’t need a military background to become an Adult Volunteer. Whether you’re interested in leadership, outdoor activities, administration, communications or supporting young people, there are opportunities to get involved.
Ready to make a difference? Discover how you can become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer and help inspire the next generation.