The Refugees Independent Schools Association (RISA) at Dzaleka camp is lobbying the government for a policy shift that would allow refugees in Malawi to attain tertiary education and access job opportunities, aiming to transform their lifestyles as many continue to live in uncertainty.
RISA Director Pascal Bagaluza made the call on Wednesday in Lilongwe during a dialogue meeting on refugee rights and inclusion organized by Inua Advocacy. Bagaluza emphasized that life at Dzaleka refugee camp is becoming increasingly difficult due to travel restrictions, education challenges, and delays in refugee status determination. He noted that the camp has registered 34,000 learners, yet only fifty private schools and two government schools are available to serve them. Many residents have remained in the camp for over five years without their refugee status being determined, making it difficult to access essential services.
“We are lacking proper traveling documents so that we can pursue other carriers out there, the waist thing is that some of our colleagues are staying there at the camp for long now without granted their refugee status, these things alone they are delaying our progress in this life,” he said.
Alice Ahobantegeye, Program Manager at Dzaleka Azimai Union and interpreter for Inua Advocacy, echoed these concerns. Having lived at Dzaleka refugee camp for over twenty-five years, she described the situation as hectic and uncertain. She urged the government to provide refugees with opportunities for further education and employment.
“As for me am being affected mentally because am not stable, as my future is uncertain, am just existing I don’t live, I need to live that’s what I can say,” she said.
Brenda Buliyani, Communications Officer at Inua Advocacy, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring that refugees’ rights are protected and that they enjoy equal opportunities as others.
Currently, Dzaleka refugee camp accommodates over fifty-five thousand people, far exceeding its estimated capacity of twelve thousand. The majority of residents are young people, underscoring the urgent need for policies that support education and livelihood opportunities.
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