No Refuge in a Refugee Camp by Namad
- Namad and Prof Helen Storey
- Apr 7
- 6 min read
We first met Namad on a day when being in Dzaleka Refugee Camp wasn’t possible – a day when responses to changes in their lives from funding cuts were being expressed in understandable outrage at the impact. A bus brought our friends from camp to our hotel instead and in the grounds, aside the swimming pool, we sat to begin to get to know each other.
We introduced ourselves, and as we did, it became clear that hunger was louder than names; as we went around the table, two women introduced themselves by laying a firm hand over their hearts, 'I am one of the starving' – it was the beginning of realisation for our work, and an education in all the undoing we needed to do, before our friendships or collaboration could begin.
From the start, Namad’s energy bounded, on behalf of others, as well as a natural expression of his artistry as a poet. Namad is a fearless activist and leader, of MUTU organisation, which has a vision, ‘to make one discover the value of himself and use the potential of Humanity’, and a mission, ‘to promote social cohesion and tolerance between refugees and the host communities.’ Through his instinct for words and their meaning, he is a powerful orator of the refugee experience. Across multiple languages, he is also an ever present and devout educator of us.
This post is to share Namad in his own words and in its making, to continue to guide us in the ways and languages in which we work together.
NO REFUGE IN A REFUGEE CAMP
It’s kind of hard to believe that you belong,
when you don’t have a home,
when your country of origin rejects you
because of fear or persecution,
or the city that you grew up in is completely destroyed.
In May 2023 during the urban refugees relocation to Dzaleka
I met with a certain girl child who asked me
“Why do they hate us?”
“Who hate you?”
“Everyone, everyone hates us because we are refugees"
People don’t care about refugees poverty and humanity,
when you find yourself choosing between home and survival
the question “where are you from" becomes very loaded.
The word refugee is considered something to be dirty, something to be ashamed of.
We live in a refugee camp because we have to, not because we wanted to.
There is no choice
If you are lucky,
you will never remember home through your host communities violence or your foster parents
abuse.
If you are lucky and you were
none of this would have ever happened to you
We have seen advances in every aspect of our lives in Dzaleka
except our ration and humanity.
There are more than 54000 of refugees in Dzaleka
while it was designed for 10000 to 14000 of people.
Let me tell you something
“WHEN YOU VISIT A REFUGEE CAMP DON’T FEEL SORRY FOR REFUGEES BUT
BELIEVE IN THEM”
Proud to be MUTU!
@Namad
I HAVE BEEN
I
have
Been
where
You
Are
But
Never
Been
Who
You
Are
I have been in a position that you possess
I have been
I have been
I have been
I have fallen in love before
I have dated someone who married me
Someone who hurt me
Someone who loved me
Someone whoooo is me
Before I became the me you can see in me
I have been a deceived me
Therefore don’t look at me as an enemy
I had parents before
though
the universe decided to take all of my beloved ones
And leave me speechless, hopeless and footless
I have stepped where none could see my foot-print
I have been
I have been
I have been a citizen in a country which none can ever forget
DRC
(Diamond, Ruby and Coltan)
I have been at a stage in life
where not even love could have ever saved me
I am passionate about love
I am brave
I’m strong no matter what life gave
Keep in mind that being a refugee is not an identity but a situation
And if none could ever dug his own grave
Means none choose to be a refugee
You are MUTU if you know the values that possess MUTU
I’m proud to be MUTU!
@Namad
THREADS OF HOPE
In a realm where strangers intertwine,
Hands unite, creating a design,
Crafts emerge from love’s embrace,
A hopeful tapestry finds its place.
We bridge the gaps with kindness spread,
Helping each other, where dreams are fed,
As creativity blooms in vibrant light,
Artists gather, igniting the night.
Sharing knowledge, we stand as one,
A nurturing space where dreams are spun,
Self-awareness binds our hearts,
Opportunities flourish, and joy imparts.
Ideas collide, new techniques arise,
In this community, wisdom flies,
Transforming the small into something grand,
Together we create with artist's hand.
So let us strive, connect, and grow,
In this embrace, our passions flow,
A brighter future, together we sway,
In a world where art lights the way.
*Urgent Action Needed for Dzaleka Refugee Camp*
1. *Introduction*
Dzaleka Refugee Camp is at a critical turning point. It is time for everyone who cares about this community to take action. Whether through prayer, advocacy, exploring new opportunities, or direct support, we must act now. The future of Dzaleka is uncertain, and without intervention, serious consequences may unfold.
2. *The Crisis*: Potential End of Monthly Rations
If the World Food Programme (WFP) stops providing monthly rations to refugees, the camp will face severe humanitarian challenges. The absence of food support will create an urgent need for alternative solutions to prevent a worsening crisis.
3. *Expected Dangers and Consequences*
Increased Hunger and Malnutrition
Many families rely on WFP rations as their primary food source. Without them, malnutrition and starvation rates will rise, particularly among children and vulnerable groups.
*Health Deterioration*
Lack of proper nutrition will weaken immune systems, increasing susceptibility to diseases. Health facilities may become overwhelmed with cases of preventable illnesses.
*Rise in Crime and Insecurity*
Desperation may lead to an increase in theft, violence, and other security threats as people struggle to survive.
*Refugees Seeking Survival in Neighboring Areas*
The lack of food and basic needs will push many refugees to leave Dzaleka in search of survival elsewhere, leading to potential conflicts and insecurity in surrounding communities.
*School Dropouts, Child Labor, and Exploitation*
Many children may leave school to search for food or work, exposing them to risks like child labor, trafficking, and exploitation in unsafe environments.
*Early Pregnancies and Forced Marriages*
Adolescent girls will be at higher risk of early pregnancies and child marriages as families struggle to cope, increasing vulnerabilities and limiting their future opportunities.
*The Spread of Transmissible Diseases*
As refugees become more desperate, there will be overcrowding in unsafe living conditions, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera, respiratory infections, and other transmissible illnesses.
*Elderly People Will Be at Risk of Losing Their Lives*
Older individuals, who are already vulnerable due to health complications and limited mobility, will be at high risk of malnutrition, untreated illnesses, and death due to a lack of essential resources.
*Economic Collapse in the Camp*
The limited economic activities in Dzaleka rely on the circulation of food rations. Removing them could cripple small businesses and increase poverty levels.
*Mental Health Crisis*
Anxiety, depression, and hopelessness will rise as families struggle with survival, leading to social instability.
4. *Call to Action*
Now is the time to unite and act. We must seek alternative solutions to sustain the camp, including:
*Advocacy*: Engaging stakeholders and policymakers to secure continued support.
Sustainable Livelihood Initiatives: Promoting skills training, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to reduce dependency.
Community Collaboration: Strengthening local and international partnerships for emergency relief and long-term development.
*5. Conclusion*
Dzaleka’s future depends on our collective action. If we do nothing, the consequences will be devastating. Let’s stand together and work towards sustainable solutions to ensure dignity and survival for the refugees in Dzaleka.
By Namad
*Director, MUTU Organisation*
Dzaleka is a refugee camp in Malawi housing over 60,000 refugees and migrants, predominantly from the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Burundi, Rwanda and other nationalities. Centre for Sustainable Fashion, Prof Helen Storey and longtime collaborator Deepa Patel, have been working with the makers of Dzaleka Arts Lab (DAL) and MUTU organisation based in Dzaleka refugee camp, since 2022.
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