Drew's African Odyssey - Mwange Refugee Camp, Zambia

The workshop today was great. Sophie did most of the presenting and answering of questions while I facilitated small groups and handled the admin stuff. I’m amazed at how well Sophie works with the refugees. She is infinitely patient and seems to be able to relate to what they are experiencing in the camp. Whenever she is teaching something, she always lets the people give their input and she can always find a story that relates to their everyday life. I’m going to learn a lot from her… Most of the refugees that attended the workshop are teachers or community workers, ranging in age from 30-50, with a third of them being female. I’m learning so much from these people on how they are trying to improve their community through sport and play. One of the secondary school teachers, named Joseph, has spoken to me quite extensively about his experiences as a refugee. Joseph comes from Kananga in the Congo, where some of the fighting has been intense. Though he tried to convince all of his family to come with him, only his immediate family is with him in Mwange camp, while some others have gone to the other camp in the region called Kala. Most of his family stayed and he’s always concerned about their safety.

Most people I speak with don’t have any idea when they will return home; most of them probably never will. But there is some hope, as the DRC is planning on hosting elections in July and there is talk that peace could follow these elections…

Posted by: Drew Gardiner / 1:06 PM