Finding a Window of Opportunity
By Yamiko Samu

Iwas born at midday on the fifth day of the ninth month, 24 years ago in Zomba -- Malawi's former capital city -- into a Christian family. It is important for me to say that because belief in, and fear of, evil spirits is an integral part of Malawi culture. Like my parents, many Malawians find themselves constantly torn between the fear of witchcraft, their belief in Christ, and concern for their families' welfare.

Growing up in Malawi means a daily confrontation with poverty. It can cause you to become either immune to it, or transformed by it into a hungry being lusting for success.

Success had always been my goal and I was prepared to go to extreme lengths to attain it. However, while I was at university I came to realize that it was not only my success that mattered, but the success of others, too. Yet how could I, a teen-ager at the time, seek success and prosperity on behalf of my nation and the whole of humanity? What could I do?

I felt small and insignificant. Somewhere in my thoughts however, as a bright light illuminates a dark night for the briefest of moments, came the truth that I was significant -- that without my "piece," the jigsaw puzzle would be incomplete.

During my junior year at college, a group of fellow Christian students from the university's Baptist Union of Students raised the necessary funds and built a Habitat house alongside a family in need during the school's Easter break. I went along -- for the fun of it, was my thinking. But God revealed to me a different thought: At last I had made a difference. I had sought success and prosperity for humanity and found it could be done, a small step at a time.

I have since gone on to lead other work groups to build Habitat houses, and served first as bookkeeper for several affiliates, and later as regional manager supervising five of Malawi's 12 affiliates. This was the richest and most fulfilling time of my life.

I cannot adequately put into words my feelings each time I took part in a house dedication ceremony. Many times, tears of joy trickled down my cheeks as I witnessed yet another family wrestled from poverty's grasp and placed in a secure and beautiful Habitat house. (I had to conceal my tears, though, as Malawian culture does not permit men to cry.)

In February, I traveled to the United States for the first time to participate in Habitat's international partner training. Today, I am based in Pretoria, South Africa, as Habitat's Campus Chapters and Youth Programs coordinator. I am making a difference. Praise to God for that!


His early school years split between Australia, the United Kingdom and Malawi, Yamiko Samu went on to university and graduated with a degree in economics and computer science. Today, he is Habitat's Campus Chapters and Youth Programs coordinator for the Africa/ Middle East area. "In my country, approximately 80 percent of the population lives in substandard housing," he says. "The need for decent shelter is so great, that clearly, the Malawi government is failing to cope. I know they are doing their best, but the problem is overwhelming."



Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, April/May 2000.
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©2000 Habitat for Humanity International