Introduction Dzaleka Refugee Camp, situated in Malawi, is home to thousands of refugees from across Africa. In emergency situations like these, education is a vital component of humanitarian response, providing stability, hope, and opportunities for growth. This blog delves into the various educational stages available in our program at Dzaleka, including preschool, primary, secondary, post-secondary, and vocational education.   Preschool Education Our Preschool at Dzaleka focuses on providing young children with a safe and nurturing environment to begin their learning journey. Key aspects include: Developmental Foundations: Programs emphasize social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based learning. Routine and Stability: Establishing a daily routine helps children cope with the uncertainties of displacement. Preparation for Primary School: Early childhood education lays the groundwork for success in primary education. Despite limited resources, dedicated educators and volunteers ensure that children receive the care and education they need to thrive.   Primary Education Primary education is a fundamental right and a priority for all children. Our school in the Dzaleka follow the Malawian national curriculum, aiming to: Basic Literacy and Numeracy: Ensuring children acquire essential reading, writing, and math skills. Bilingual Education: Teaching in both Chichewa and English to prepare students for higher education. Inclusive Environment: Promoting inclusivity and understanding among children from diverse backgrounds. Challenges such as overcrowded classrooms and shortages of materials are common leading to not accommodating all the eligible children. However, FOH and stakeholders maximize efforts to address these issues, ensuring access to education for all children. Secondary Education Secondary education at Dzaleka faces more significant challenges due to resource constraints. Nonetheless, efforts are made to: Provide Formal Education: Offering structured secondary education that aligns with national standards. Alternative Learning Opportunities: Creating programs for adolescents who missed earlier education. Examination Preparation: Preparing students for national exams, crucial for further education and job prospects. Secondary schools often rely on external support for textbooks, lab equipment, and other essential resources, enabling students to continue their educational journey. However, only few of those who complete primary school at Dzaleka have access to secondary school due to very limited space.   Post-Secondary Education Post-secondary education opportunities, though limited, are vital for empowering refugees with advanced knowledge and skills. Initiatives include: Higher Education Programs: Collaborations with universities and online education platforms to offer certificate and degree programs. Scholarships and Support: Providing financial and academic support to help students access tertiary education. Professional Development: Courses and certifications in fields such as leadership, education, and business. These opportunities are crucial for refugees aspiring to professional careers, offering a path to self-sufficiency and leadership within their communities.   Vocational Education With our vocational education FOH equips refugees with practical skills for employment and self-reliance. Key aspects include: Skill Development: Training in trade such as tailoring  Empowerment Programs: Special focus on empowering women and youth with marketable skills. Entrepreneurship: Encouraging small business development and entrepreneurial activities. Vocational training programs are essential for providing immediate livelihood opportunities, helping refugees to support themselves and their families.   Conclusion Education in emergency situations like at Dzaleka Refugee Camp is a beacon of hope and resilience. Despite numerous challenges, the commitment of our educators, volunteers, and other stakeholders maximizes efforts to help children and adults have access to learning opportunities. From preschool to post-secondary and vocational education, these efforts equip refugees with the knowledge and skills necessary to rebuild their lives, be resilient and contribute positively to society.  

P4T Students meet the ECW Student Project team from CIYOTA In the heart of Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, the dream of continuous education was slipping away for many children. Year after year, we watched with frustration and helplessness as our primary school graduates faced an insurmountable barrier: the lack of accessible secondary school. With most secondary schools located 100 kilometers away (in Hoima Town) and financial constraints rendering this option unfeasible, many of our promising young minds were left with no choice but to abandon their educational pursuits.   The consequences of this educational void were devastating. The absence of secondary education opportunities led to a surge in dropout rates, resulting in child marriages, drug and alcohol abuse, unemployment, prostitution, poverty, and general hardship. These outcomes not only shattered individual dreams but also perpetuated a cycle of poverty and vulnerability within the community. Determined to change this narrative, we made the bold decision to start a secondary school within the settlement. However, the path to this vision was fraught with challenges. With no funding for staff salaries, teaching materials, or proper infrastructure, we had to think creatively and act decisively. As Planning for Tomorrow Youth Organisation (P4T), a Refugee Led Organisation in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement, we are committed to providing holistic education in Pre-Primary, Primary, and Secondary schools. Currently, our 45 dedicated staff members educate 826 refugee children, including 115 students in the Secondary School. P4T Secondary School is the third Secondary School in Kyangwali Refugee Settlement. However, with over 15 feeder primary schools, access to secondary education remains severely limited. P4T Students take a group photo with visitors from School for Life   In an effort to provide an aspect of secondary education, we partitioned our martial arts training room into makeshift classrooms. This temporary solution allowed us to start with two secondary school classes, but the conditions were far from ideal. The lack of proper teaching and learning materials, coupled with the absence of dedicated spaces, made the task incredibly daunting. Our dedicated teachers, despite their meager or non-existent salaries, persevered with a shared commitment to the children’s future. We owe a great deal of gratitude to our supporters. The Altenburg Foundation has been instrumental in building our first classroom block, and School for Life Australia (SFLA) has supported us with salaries and further infrastructural developments at the school. Their contributions have been vital in sustaining our mission. However, significant gaps remain. We need to establish a science laboratory equipped with necessary instruments and supplies, and a computer lab with computers and accessories. Staff housing is another critical need to ensure our teachers have stable living conditions. Additionally, we aim to implement Project-Based Learning (PBL) more effectively, which requires specific supplies and trained professionals. Continuous professional development for our teachers is crucial to maintain high educational standards. Furthermore, a school clinic to provide medical services for children and staff, and resources to set up a playground, for which we have the land, are essential to create a comprehensive and supportive learning environment.   Financial constraints also impact our students directly. Even with the low cost of Community Contributions (USD 30 per month) to cover running costs and the school feeding program, many children still cannot afford to attend school without a scholarship. Currently, only 15 students have scholarships, and 25 students benefit from free education through our academic and needy scheme bursaries. To alleviate this burden, we urgently need more scholarships to support these vulnerable children. Despite the immense difficulties, our fledgling secondary school stands as a beacon of hope. It represents the collective determination of a community that refuses to give up on its children. With continued effort and support, we aim to transform these makeshift classrooms into a sustainable and thriving educational environment, ensuring that every child in Kyangwali has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed. Call to Action: Our journey is just beginning, and we invite you to join us in this transformative endeavor. Your support can make a significant difference in the lives of these children. By contributing to our cause, you can help build a future where every child’s right to education is not just a dream, but a reality.   Donate Today: Your contributions can help us build proper classrooms, equip science and computer labs, provide scholarships, and ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. Become a Partner: If you represent an organization, consider partnering with us to support our mission. Together, we can create a lasting impact on the lives of refugee children Spread the Word: Share our story with your network. The more people know about our cause, the greater our chances of finding the support we need. Join us in our mission to provide all-in-one education for refugee children in Kyangwali. Together, we can overcome these challenges and build innovative leaders and change makers.