Malawi, most known as The Warm Heart of Africa, by itself is quite poor country.
Despite it, Malawi is home for more than 40,000 refugees. Most refugges come from different countries like Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia and Somalia.
The refugee camp is located in Dowa District, around 50 km from Lilongwe, the capital city. Dzaleka was established by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 1994 in response to a surge of forcibly displaced people fleeing genocide, violence and wars in Burundi, Rwanda and the D.R. Congo.
By my personal side, it was my first refugee camp I have ever visited. To be honest, before coming here, I didn’t knew what to expect and I had a kind of not so good view of it even If I never been there.
But everything has changed very soon. Of course, first’s visits were shocking and sad. But time by time I get to know the people over there and the life in this Refugee Camp.
Life is not easy. People are limited and trying to do their best in order to survive. But this is the best choice they have.
Apart the sad situation, Dzaleka Refugee Camp has plenty of good and amazing things happening inside there. I want to mention, that after 5 months of living close to the camp I even sometimes starting to forget that this is refugee camp. For me now it is like amazing village, where I know many people, where we are going to the local markets and etc.
In this camp you can find anything you need. Starting from local food restaurants, street food up to printing spots or tailoring’s shops. Anything you need. People over there are making amazing job you can’t imagine.
Of course all of they are with strong experience and difficult backround, but slowly, step by step they found they place here, they started to run business and they are trying to enjoy the life as much they can.
Hospitality and love is something you really need to feel. People are welcoming and always ready to help for you with any issue you have.
Just for little example, one of the first visits in the camp we were catched by the strong rain, we were all completely wet. One family saw how we are “freezing” and invited us to their house in order to wait for the rain to finish, they share with us a cup of hot tea and a fresh made “mandasi”.
It was one of those moments in my life when I again realized how little things mean a lot in our life.
This is my experiences and my point of view about the place where I am.
I am extremely grateful to be here and to face different realities.
Keep exploring, keep sharing and let’s keep loving each other.
