Habitat in Africa/Middle East: Overcoming Harsh Realities

A continent of contrasts, Africa’s peaceful nature scenes belie images of disease, malnutrition, urban violence and civil war. Even so, Habitat for Humanity is there, building houses in 14 countries.

“We help build civil society at its lowest common denominator—the community level,” says Harry Goodall, vice president of HFHI’s Africa/Middle East region. Habitat is not alone in the effort to make a difference; strategic partnerships are vital in meeting food and health needs beyond Habitat’s focus.

Despite difficult circumstances, the Habitat movement in Africa is growing. Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt and Ghana will hit milestone house numbers in the thousands this year, new countries are opening and volunteer numbers are growing. International staff members have remained safe despite turbulent times in countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Even though we’re in a war-torn region there, we’re still building houses,” Goodall says. “That’s nothing short of a miracle.”

Challenges Faced:

• Economic poverty.
• Civil strife that endangers homeowners.
• Primitive communication technology.
• The impact of AIDS on all levels of society.
  
  

Goals for the Future:

• To expand to an average of four new countries annually and expand affiliate development.
• To increase resource development within the continent.
• To increase the efficiency of the area office to better support national offices and staff.
  
  

A Call for Prayer:

• Pray for peace in areas of armed conflict.
• Pray that Habitat may increase its demonstration of the love of Christ for people of all faiths and no faith.
• Pray for the safety of staff members working in dangerous situations.
  
  

--Rebekah Graydon





Reprinted from Habitat World Magazine, October/November 2000.
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©2000 Habitat for Humanity International