Yamikani
Yamikani is a living testament to the transformative power of love, faith, and guidance. Raised at Rafiki Village Malawi, she credits the nurturing environment, structured support, and daily Bible study with shaping the person she has become today. “My experience of daily Bible study and support at Rafiki Christian Classical School taught me how important guidance, patience, and encouragement are,” Yamikani reflects. “That’s why I try to provide the same support to the children and youth I mentor, helping them grow spiritually, personally, and academically.”
After completing her education at Rafiki, Yamikani attended college at Mzuzu Technical, where she studied community development. Her studies not only opened doors professionally but also strengthened her desire to give back to her community. She explains, “Being raised in Rafiki gave me also the knowledge of taking care of others and being able to help people.” This calling led her to co-found an organization called Dream Builders dedicated to serving less privileged children and orphans in her community.
Dream Builders provides practical support, such as school supplies and uniforms, while also addressing mental health and spiritual growth. Yamikani emphasizes the importance of holistic discipleship. Her ministry focuses on Bible study, teaching basic skills like reading, writing, and English, introducing quality literature, and giving them the same foundation she received at Rafiki.
Yamikani’s work is deeply rooted in her own life experiences. She believes that without Rafiki, her life would have been very different. “Without me going to Rafiki… I don’t think I would have had the knowledge of God the same way, and I wouldn’t have been able to go to college or do what I’m doing now.”
Her faith journey began at Rafiki, where daily Bible studies and prayer sessions shaped her understanding of God. “I accepted Christ the time I was here for Rafiki because of the Bible studies we used to do, the prayer sessions we had every morning, every lunch hour, every evening,” she says. “I knew that it wasn’t just a coincidence that Rafiki came to our doorstep, but it was through God. So I had to accept him as my Lord and Savior because he is my Lord and Savior.” Today, she continues to walk in that faith by mentoring children and youth, helping them grow spiritually, personally, and academically.
Yamikani has seen firsthand the struggles faced by children in Malawi, where poverty, lack of parental care, and limited opportunities leave many young people vulnerable. She explains, “Most of the time, there’s no love in their homes where they’re coming from, and that leads to many young people going through stuff... It’s over their control, and they feel like no one is there for them.” Through Dream Builders, she seeks to provide the guidance, support, and stability these children need. She and her team work with children from far-reaching communities, helping them feel loved, valued, and supported, and teaching them the love of Christ.
The organization currently serves around 20 younger children and 14 older youth, though attendance varies. Yamikani balances practical support with mentorship, helping children develop life skills, discover their talents, and pursue their goals. “Being there for other people is also something that I also learnt,” she says. “Through Bible-based teaching, mentoring, and life skills training, I try to instill faith, confidence, and a sense of purpose so they can see their value and role in God’s plan.”
Yamikani’s vision extends beyond immediate care as she hopes to one day build her own orphanage. For now, Dream Builders stands as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the power of faith, structure, and love in transforming lives. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact of Rafiki Christian Classical School and a reminder that, with faith, prayer, and the grace of God, believers can be a light and blessing to those around them.