Sam was nominated as a hidden hero because he goes above and beyond to help others in need, his effect is far and wide. He, quietly and gently, assists people to move towards a better understanding of others. Clean drinking water is essential to human health and life, Sam provides that to people in need. With the help of some volunteers from the community Sam travels to West Africa to build clean drinking water wells in villages. He holds a “Walk for Water” event every September in Portage County. This pledge was born out of a desire to honor his sister, Ma Kah, who passed away from drinking unclean water. As he approaches completing the 40 wells, he is shifting his energy to building an orphanage in Cameroon. It is part way completed. Throughout everything he does, he takes people from where they are. He always calls in, instead of calling out, and this is what is growing the movement and growing the number of allies. We are truly blessed to have such an inspiration in our community for all the good that he has, does, and intends to do.
Originally from Cameroon, West Africa Sam moved to the US in 2002 to attend school at UWSP. He studied Law and Political Science at the University of Dschang in Cameroon but student protests that lasted for more than six months disrupted his schooling. His brother who had graduated from UWSP encouraged him to move to the United States, and major in Sociology for his undergraduate. After graduation, he got a job with the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County. Then after a few years, went back to school to obtain a Masters Degree is Community Development and later obtain a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership. Sam met his wife Amy Dinga at UWSP, and they have four children, Sivan, Sander, Sage and Amiya.
His spark for building the wells started in 2009, when he lost his sister Makah Rosemary from drinking bad water. She died at the age of 40 and he pledged to build 40 pump wells in her honor. In the process of doing this work, Sam started taking students and community members to help with building the wells. To date, they have completed 36 of the 40 pledged wells. Walk for Water is held annually to raise funds for the construction of new wells.
If you would like to learn more or donate to the to the Makah Foundation Click the link below:
Sam's Favorite's:
Book: "If Tomorrow Comes" by Sidney Sheldon
Quote:"If your dreams don't scare, they are not big enough" -Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Food: Cameroonian meal- Fufu and vegetable. I also like a good steak and potato.
Song: Mes jours sont écrit by Petit Pays from Cameroon.
Who's your hero?
My wife Amy. She is a solid foundation that allows me to weather every storm that comes my way. Her steady hand gives me the privilege to start and complete different projects.
What makes you happy?
I am very happy when I contribute to making others happy. For example, when I work with my volunteers to provide clean drinking water for villagers in Cameroon or when i host African gatherings here in Portage County to help provide a platform for Africans in Portage County to share our food, culture, and resources.
How does living in Portage County influence you?
I have met some incredible people in portage County who have shaped my life and continue to influence me. I have a several mentors and friends in Portage County. When I arrived in America in 2002 and came directly to Portage County and have been here since that time, so Portage County is my America.
Where are you headed?
I have a few more things on my list including the wish to take more people from Portage County to travel with me to Cameroon to continue the work that my foundation is doing out there. I hope to complete and manage the orphanage that my foundation is building. I would also like to serve on a few more boards in the community like the school board.
What can people from the community learn from you?
I believe fervently that we are stronger when we work together and when we strive to make the world a better place for all of us. Like we say in Africa, "If all our candles shine it makes a bigger surface area brighter".
What is your most deeply held belief?
I believe that our legacy is all we have after we are gone. That to me includes how we made people feel and what we pass down to the next generation.
3 Comments
Jun 15, 2022, 1:48:39 AM
CATHRINE MBONGOH DINGA - Sam has always been a focused person since we were growing up. Most interesting is the fact that he always wants to do something for somebody that will put a smile on his or her face. He is a resourceful person with so many hidden ideas and talent. Congratulations Dr Sam for walking the talk
Jun 15, 2021, 12:53:06 AM
Evan - Big bro may the good Lord give you more grace and wisdom so u could do more better. Ul never lack my senior man God bless u n ur energy grand. Me Ndolo too much grand Sammy god bless ur good mind big bro
Jun 15, 2021, 12:50:45 AM
Evan gamuah DEVALLA - Big bro may God almighty be ur guide n give u a bigger energy to keep doing these good work of grace. God bless u grand. Me Ndolo u too much