For Samuel, a journey to Malawi and Kenya started with curiosity and a personal connection—his father’s past experiences in voluntary work. What began as an opportunity for exploration quickly turned into a transformative experience that reshaped his understanding of education, creativity, and resilience.
Initial impressions
“We always see suffering on the news, and while the need for help is real, I was surprised by how normal life felt there,” says Samuel “People go about their day, raise families, and build communities. The biggest difference was access to resources, not their will to live and thrive.”
A Shift in Teaching Approach
Initially, Samuel had not planned to teach. With a background in animation, he anticipated working on various community projects. However, in Malawi, the team quickly recognized his skill set and encouraged him to share his knowledge with students, many of whom had never been encouraged to express their creativity before. “They were used to copying and memorization, not problem-solving,” he explains. “When I asked them to draw a scene from their daily lives, they would simply copy my example rather than come up with their own.”
The moment everything clicked? When the students saw their own voices matched with their animations. “Suddenly, they understood it. They could tell their own stories through animation. That was the most rewarding part.” You might recall our December newsletter featured a video of the students creating animations which can still be viewed on our YouTube channel.
Contrasting Experiences in Malawi and Kenya
While both Malawi and Kenya presented challenges, Samuel found a stark contrast between the two. Malawi had its share of poverty, but basic necessities like water and food were accessible. “They love to dance and sing, but creativity in education is lacking. There’s a strong need for external input to inspire new ways of thinking.”
In Turkana, Kenya, the situation was far more severe. “They have nothing,” Samuel says bluntly. “Hunger is the main battle. Kids in school get three meals a day, but the moment they go home, they might not eat at all.” The environment was equally harsh. “It was an endless horizon of dust and heat, and life was incredibly tough. Some of these kids had to deal with violence from conflicts near the Ethiopian border.”
Looking Ahead
Would he go back? Absolutely. “Next time, I’d do it for longer and focus on teaching during the school term,” Samuel says. “There’s so much potential in these students, and with the right support, they can achieve incredible things.”
His dream? More teachers on the ground, especially female educators who can serve as role models for both boys and girls. “Creativity and self-expression need to be encouraged alongside traditional subjects,” he insists. “It’s not just about education—it’s about giving these kids a voice and a future.”
In Turkana, the greatest challenge remains food security. “You see the difference in a child when they eat consistently. They come alive. That’s the biggest issue—creativity in Malawi, and food in Turkana.”
If Samuel could change one thing instantly, it would be keeping girls in school. “They all get pregnant too young,” he explains. “Sex education and contraception are crucial. There needs to be more awareness and support to help young girls stay in school and build futures beyond early motherhood.”
Samuel’s journey may have started with curiosity, but it ended with a deeper purpose. Through education, storytelling, and first-hand experiences, he has become part of something much bigger—a movement that believes in the power of knowledge, creativity, and resilience to change lives.
