refugees

Hand/Eye Magazine is a fabulous publication featuring stories from around the globe about folk art, textile design and other traditional artisenal crafts. Dsenyo's work with the women's craft group at Dzalek Refugee Camp was featured in this recent article.  Check out the fabulous photography by Emily Reynaud ( www.emiliereynaud.com) as well!

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By, Spencer Gale, guest blogger, who is interning with Dsenyo this summer.

Refugee camps have become much more prevalent over the past decade in Africa. With political, social, and economic turmoil in the surrounding countries, Dzaleka Camp in Malawi is home to more than 10,000 refugees from more than 12 countries. Capacity is 4,000. The UNHCR operates the camp which is a "temporary" home for refugees and asylum seekers from countries like Rawanda, Burundi, Congo and Kenya. Constricted by local Malawian laws, it is nearly impossible for refugees to work outside the camp (refugees are not permitted to do business outside of the camp or own cars). While Dzaleka Refugee Camp is seen as a temporary home, the average stay for both refugees and asylum seekers is roughly five years - five years with little to no employment or advancement opportunities. However, with 10,000 refugees there is a wealth of skilled craftspeople and artisans coming from Rawanda, Burundi, Congo and more; there is potentially a huge opportunity for these people to share their valued skills. In the coming months Dsenyo hopes to learn more about Dzaleka Refugee Camp through a visit to see what the future may hold!