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RefugeeMAGAZINE Edition ISSUE #7

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FOCUS ON YOUTH INCLUSION: SIMAMA TV SHOW Youth In Daadab Refugee Camp Simama! To Voice Their Concerns

RefugeeTHE Editorial ear ardent readers, it is our joy that just as we bid farewell to 2015 with the 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM SPECIAL EDITION of The Refugee IN BRIEF... Magazine, we are here yet again to usher Din 2016 with this 7th Edition telling interesting and SIMAMA! inspiring stories from the Dadaab complex. We also ACCEPT ME AS I AM capture the landmark production of a Television show focusing on Youth Inclusion that was produced here in Youth inclusion Campaign Dadaab by UNHCR in collaboration withFilmAid. In December 2015, FilmAid undertook a pioneering television production in the In this edition we relive the Activitie leading to and part Dadaab refugee camp. Simama - ACCEPT of the 16 Days of Activism whose culmination coincided ME AS I AM identified 50 young people from with the graduation ceremony of Filmid trained different demographics and assembled them Journalism Trainees . for a constructive discussion. Simama, Kiswahili translation for Arise Or FilmAid recruits and conducts annual training of youths Stand Up, is calling on the young refugees in Film Making and Journalism equiping them with the and the Dadaab community in general to skills to be able to tell their own stories in creative ways identify, speak up and construct a sustainable across print and film media. The 16 Days of Action run future for religious and cultural acceptance. from 25th November-10th December. The campaign spans these 16 Days in order to highlight the link Refugee Education: between violence against women and human rights. Mass School Enrolment Read true untold stories at the heart of the world’s largest Refugee Camp, Dadaab Refugee Camp, as told The mass enrolment campaign run every by Refugees themselves. These are inspirational stories year. It particularly aims at those who have no that tell the uncertainty of the journey that is life. taken advantage of the opportunities for free education delivered by partners like Lutheran From this edition consequently, we will feature creative World Federation (LWF). artists and their works be it poetry, fictional writing, painting etc. We look to give a platform to the talent harboured within the Dadaab refugee complex. We are 16 Days of Activism also exploring avenues of working closely with High School Writers’ and Journalism Clubs for exchange of The 16 Days of Action run from 25th knowledge and skills November-10th December. The campaign spans these 16 Days in order to highlight the As a publication of FilmAid , we remain true to our link between violence against women and duty of Informing, Educating and entertaining you. It is human rights. therefore our hope, prayer and wish that to each of us it be a rewarding year.

Enjoy your read! CONTACT US [email protected] Editor in Chief ww.facebook.com/therefugee www.filmaid.org/publications

THE Refugee This magazine was written by refugees living in Dadaab Refugee camps. It is produced by FilmAid with support from PRM RefugeeTHE

STORIES INSIDE

SCHOOL MASS ENROLMENT DRIVE Thirst for education awakens in Kambioos

YOUTH INCLUSION: SIMAMA TV PRODUCTION Youths in Dadaab refugee camp voice their concerns on available opportunities and inclusion

FILMAID INTERNATIONAL MANAGING DIRECTOR’S ITINERARY WITH HEADS OF AGENCIES IN DADAAB REFUGEE CAMP. Filmaid International Managing Director meets other Agency Heads in Dadaab Refugee Camp

POET’S LOUNGE Topical poems by refugees: I will cry for my land More than my skin

THE TEAM

CHIEF EDITOR COPY EDITOR EDITORS PHOTOGRAPHY DESIGN/LAYOUT WRITERS ISAAC ONYANGO BERNADETTE OTIENO JIMALE MOHAMED MOHAMED JIMALE ISAAC ONYANGO MOHAMED AWIL ISAAC ONYANGO MOHAMED JIMALE JOSEPHINE PONY SIMON BOL AHMED HASSAN MONICA DHIEU EDUCATION KAMBIOOS MASS SCHOOL ENROLMENT

Umoja primary school girls during the mass enrolment campaign in Kambioos By Jimale Mohamed n a refugee camp, there are very few operating in Dadaab refugee camp complex came opportunities for young people to further their together to encourage young boys and girls to enrol education. Without access to education, there into schools to take advantage of the opportunities are limited options available for the youth to that education brings. Icreate meaningful lives in their future. Education opens doors that seemed closed and enable limbs The mass enrolment campaign run every year, reach distances that seemed impossible. particularly targeting those who have no taken advantage of the opportunities provided by UNHCR in collaboration with education partners Humanitarian agencies such as Lutheran World 1 EDUCATION Federation (LWF). affirmative programmes, which abilities on learning, and to look for try to advocate for equity in ways of overcoming the challenges The march started at Kambioos’ opportunities. that may seem to be the barriers Furaha Primary school, and on towards their quest for education. through the town, with different He added that, “The choice of groups carrying placards and girl child education enrolment Is “Earn money, it can be lost, learn posters in support of girl child in the interest of the beneficiary something and it cannot be taken education. It was all songs of and a not a burden of the from you” Mr Bhatarai advised. support and conviction that it is education sector agencies; it lies He added that the refugee status the power of the ink on paper that predominantly with the learners is only but temporary and thus truly frees a confined mind. and their parents.” being educated will open up opportunities for the students The resonating message during Girls enrolling others when they go back to their the campaign being that all countries, because education can children, regardless of gender, The enrolment of students from never leave the educated. deserved an opportunity to get the streets of Kambioos into the education. It is a right to education classrooms has taken varied depths He further urged the education as enshrined in the Kenyan and breadths. These include partner agencies to involve the constitution, that the numerous outdoor campaigns, door-to-door parents in the clamor for education calls were directed towards the campaigns to subtle recruitment for the children, because most community to accept and support processes . There is another active times decisions about children’s the initiatives geared toward campaign set up by a group of education is made by the parents. providing education to children. girls, members a Girl Club at umoja primary school, aiming at enrolling LWF’s Education Officer, Noor their fellow girls into school. “The choice Hussein, emphasised the of girl child education benefits of education saying that, The girls have put all their efforts “Education lives as long as you live towards ensuring that their enrolment is in on earth.” He advised the students fellow girls are empowered and the interest of the that the best time they could be educated; their practical and noble educated is when they are still idea has been greatly hailed. beneficiary and young and energetic and can not a burden of the focus solely on books. He added Other clubs established in that, “The depth of education Kambioos include Learners’ education sector determines the strength of a Government, Learners’ Council and agencies; it lies person’s foundation.” Child protection Clubs all focusing their resources on the betterment predominantly with Muktar Osman, Assistant Education and provision of education the Officer in Kambioos urged both opportunities for Kambioos the young school going children children. learners and their and the uneducated adults to take advantage of opportunities The UNHCR Protection Officer, parents.” available in education such as Mr Dananyaya Bhatarai, was adult education which caters to also the guest of honor and he Muktar Osman, Assistant Education the needs of adult students, the also had encouraging words for OfFicer special needs program which the students. He told them to caters for the disabled and concentrate all their energies and The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 2 YOUTH INCLUSION YOUTH INCLUSION: GIVING OPPORTUNITY TO YOUTHS TV SHOW By Isaac Onyango & Naomi O’Callaghan THE Refugee Youths in Daadab Refugee Camp during the filming of Simama Talk show. They voiced their concerns on available opportunities and their inclusion in the making of decisions that affect their lives YOUTH INCLUSION bout 100km from the border as part of UNHCR and partnering Simama, Kiswahili translation for of , in the deserts agencies’ strategy to deal with Arise Or Stand Up, is calling on of Kenya’s north-eastern youth radicalization. It is aimed young refugees and the Dadaab province, lies Dadaab at understanding the issues that communities in general to speak up, RefugeeA Camp. Hosting a cumulative affect young people in the refugee identify and construct a sustainable population of over 300,000 people community and covers issues that future for religious and cultural spread over five camps; Dadaab is might expose them to crime and acceptance. In addition to focusing currently the world’s largest refugee extremism. on acceptance, the production also camp (according to UNHCR November sought to identify weaknesses in the 2015 reports). UNHCR held a two-day workshop system that put the youth at risk of for men, women, young joining extremist groups. Originally inhabited by nomadic adults and interfaith groups with herders who traversed through Kenya’s the objective of advocating for The program covered one of a desert and the Somalia border in religious tolerance and amicable number of responses by UNHCR to search of pasture and water, the vast, coexistence among various the youth’s feedback for opportunities dry and dusty land became inhabited community groups. They focused that would improve the outcome of when civil unrest broke in Somalia. The on establishing harmonious their future. It responded to ways of United Nations began building the foundations and nurturing peoples’ harnessing the undiscovered talents camp to shelter refugees fleeing civil skills for future programs. The and skills of the youth as well as war across the border. program was broken up into five crime prevention. events and spread across the five Over the past three decades, the camp camps in Dadaab, to respond Simama, Kiswahili translation for Arise has been rapidly expanding. Other to the needs of the younger Or Stand Up, is calling on the young than being situated in one of the most generation of refugees. refugees and the whole community inhospitable areas of Kenya; there are to speak up, identify and construct bigger issues that call for immediate These events and workshops a sustainable future for religious attention to improve the socio involved advocacy meetings with and cultural acceptance. In addition economic conditions that the refugees youth, theatre groups, interfaith to focussing on acceptance, the are facing. Above all the issues that and youth leaders and covered production also sought to identify effect Dadaab inhabitants, the refugees topics on radicalization, it’s causes weaknesses in the system that put have raised strong concerns about the and effects and ways to promote the youth at risk of joining extremist height of exclusion. peace. The program also looked groups. into ways of encouraging and The refugees have criticized involving the participation of all The Programme covered one of a inadequate humanitarian assistance in young people in the camps in number of responses by UNHCR to the camps and a collapse of law and constructive project activities. the youth’s feedback for opportunities order, leading to attacks and insecurity that would improve the outcome of in the camps. They feel that there is In December 2015, FilmAid Kenya their future. It responded to ways of a lack of appropriate education and undertook a pioneering television harnessing the undiscovered talents skills development opportunities to production in the Dadaab Refugee and skills of the youth as well as crime improve transferable skills and open Camp. prevention. up employment opportunities for the refugee youth. Simama - ACCEPT ME AS I AM Simama, moderated by the journalist identified 50 young people from John Sibi Okumu, hosted a panel Youth Inclusion Program. different demographics and of revered religious leaders and assembled them for a constructive humanitarian stakeholders. These The Youth Inclusion Program began discussion. included, Abbas Haidoebaigi from The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 4 SIMAMA SHOW

The Simama show panel from right to left Haidoebaigi from UNHCR, Rex Mlotha, youth officer at UNHCR, John Sibi Okumu, Abdi Badhi Hussein, from the DRA and religious leaders from Dadaab.

UNHCR, Rex Mlotha, Youth Officer at UNHCR, employment opportunities within Dadaab upon Abdi Badhi Hussein from the DRA and Issa Harun completion of their secondary education. They claimed Muhumed a religious leader. that there are few opportunities and that even when opportunities present themselves, there is a wide gap Simama became a neutral forum to amplify the in skills needed for the position. voices of Dadaab’s youth on pertinent issues There is a growing uncertainty over their future due affecting their lives in the camp. to a volatile situation in their home country and given the unforgiving environment where they live From the onset of the show it was evident that currently. The youth are therefore susceptible to radical the issues being discussed stemmed from the indoctrination for financial gains among other reasons. disillusionment of the refugee youth. They criticized the systems’ discriminatory nature that they believe Understanding and breaking the barriers to condemned them to the confines of the camp. This Youth Inclusion provides an appreciation of the prevented opportunities to join institutions of higher socioeconomic, political, and cultural barriers that learning to further their education and acquire new this young refugee population face in their day-to- skills. day lives. It enables policymakers to identify the root causes of the widespread levels of youth inactivity and “They (UNHCR) say they have done their best for exclusion. primary and secondary (education) and we are not disagreeing but the problem comes with higher Instituted by UNHCR in Daadab it provided an analysis education…(young) refugees here have a lot of of the multiple factors that contribute to youth diplomas, but they do not have opportunities to get exclusion whilst providing a framework for assessing degrees. My question to UNHCR is, do refugees have both the barriers and opportunities for youth inclusion. that right to a degree and a higher education?” Overall it highlighted the importance of active youth participation in any society. THE The youth also raised concerns of the lack of Refugee 5 SKILLS DEVELOPMENT Marking 16 Days of Activism Filmaid journalism trainees graduate

Journalism Training graduands holding their certificates during the graduation ceremony at the Juba Girls Centre. The ceremony coincided with the 16 days of activism celebrations

By Mohamed Jimale violence and rape every day. There adaab Refugee Kenya among other partners, is no country inthe world where Camp like the rest representing a voice of concern at women are free from the fear that of the world was the violation of human rights solely they may be sexually violated or not left behind on the basis of their gender. subjected to physical harm. The during the 2015 16-days of statistics indicate an estimated D 35 per cent of women worldwide Activism campaign between 25th Amongst activities of the day November and 10th December. was FilmAid’s Daytime screening have experienced either physical FilmAid in collaboration with Care of Films based on Gender and/or sexual violence at some Kenya organised a Main event to empowerment and gender point in their lives. mark the end of the campaign at violence. There were dance and the Dagahaley Juba Girls Centre. song performances, and skits on It is at with this backdrop that topical issues that affect the social organisations and nations all The event was graced by partner structures of the society. around the globe pool together agencies like Save the Children, their resources and speak out in Lutheran World Federation and According to statistics, one in three one voice about violence against the Refugee Consortium of women worldwide face abuse, women. These voices highlight The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 6 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM

the nature and prevalence of FilmAid provides journalism In the majority of countries with violence against women and raise training to young adults in the available data, less than 40 per cent awareness of violence against camp, in an effort to help them of the women who experience women as a human rights issue. tell their own stories professionally violence seek help of any sort. It is also an opportunity for and become the agents of change Among women who do, most turn strengthening local work to tackle within their communities through to family and friends and very few violence against women. the power of print media. seek help from formal institutions and existing mechanisms such as The 16 Days Campaign provides Explaining the 16 Days the police and health services. community groups, students and Campaign violence crisis centres with the - See more at: http://www. opportunity to break the silence The 16 Days of Activism Against unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/ sorrounding domestic violence. Gender Violence is marked ending-violence-against-women/ By organising events in our local every year internationally. The facts-and-figures#sthash.jyxKACoN. communities that highlight the campaign originated from the dpuf issue of domestic violence and first Women’s Global Leadership promote the services available to Institute, sponsored by the Centre victims of gender-based violence; for Women’s Global Leadership “As FilmAid, we make the issue visible, we are in 1991. Participants settled we value the able to give hope to women who on the November 25th as the importance of the are suffering and hold perpetrators International Day Against Violence of abuse to account. Against Women and December youth as the building 10th as the International Human blocks of the society. FilmAid’s Journalism Students Rights Day; in order to symbolically As these young people graduate link violence against women and graduate having been human rights. This is to emphasize trained well, welcome During the event, FilmAid’s that such violence is a violation of them and provide them Journalism Trainees graduated human rights. in a ceremony graced by FilmAid the necessary support Kenya country Director Stella Suge. The 16 Days Campaign aims at to enable them practice She emphasised the importance amplifying individuals and group their craft in telling of skills development for the youth efforts around the world to call their untold stories.” as a foundation for their future. She for the elimination of all forms of urged the community to support violence against women. Stella Suge the Trained graduants to enable According to an article on the UN them tell the stories wholesomely WOMEN website titled Facts and and grow professionally. She Figures: Ending Violence against said, “as FilmAid, we value the Women, at least 119 countries importance of the youth as the have passed laws on domestic building blocks of the society. As violence, 125 have laws on sexual these young people graduate harassment and 52 have laws on having been trained well, welcome marital rape. However, even in the them and provide them the existent of these laws, compliance necessary support to enable them to the statutes of international practice their craft in telling their standards and recommendations is untold stories.” not promised.

7 CHILDREN’S PARLIAMENT

Dadaab Children’s Assembly launched

By Caleb Odhiambo and protection issues. To build on t is no longer true that children amplified by the launch of the their capacity to prevent abuse should ‘be seen and not heard’. Dadaab Children’s Assembly. The and help them create a protective There is absolutely no doubt launch took place in November environment for all the children in that through the past decade, 2015 and was graced by the Dadaab Refugee camp. Ithe meaning of childhood and Dadaab Sub Country Children’s its role in society has changed Officer Mr. Guyo Golicha. Lead up to 20th November dramatically. 40 children were chosen from the The launch marked one of The key changes to people’s 5 camps, Kambioos, Hagadera, the key build up activities to childhoods has been through laws Ifo main, Ifo 2 and Dagahaley the 20th November; globally and legal frameworks surrounding along with others from the host commemorated each year to mark the education system, the welfare communities. Together with their the 1959 UN General Assembly regulations and protection for 5 chaperones they were taken adoption of the Declaration of children by the governments in through a knowledge training the Rights of the Child. Universal place. process prior to the launch Children’s day celebrates the of the Children’s assembly in achievements made in raising the The voice of the Dadaab Refugee order to equip them with the voices of children across the globe. camp child in this regard, has been understanding of Childrens’ rights It is also the date in 1989 when the

The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 8 CHILD PROTECTION UN General assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Since 1990, Universal Children’s Day has marked the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the declaration and the convention on children’s rights.

Mr Guyo challenged the children to be good ambassadors in the camps and within the host community, reaching out to their peers who could be undergoing various forms of abuses. “This launch makes it easier for you to speak out in one voice to the community and to reach my office for faster action,” he emphasised.

The children on their part affirmed that they will be more vigilant both in the schools and the camps to highlight all forms of abuse that inhibit their growth and attainment of goals in life. Objectives of the training The objectives of the training and the launch were in line with those of the Kenya Children’s Assembly which pursuant to Article 1 of the KCA charter indicates that it shall act in accordance with the following principles; *Non-discrimination *Best interests of the child *Inclusiveness *Child friendliness *Equitable representation *Children for children

The children also took time to develop messages that they will seek to take out to their peers in schools and within community. The resonant message the children are saying without a doubt is that…. “Anything for us without us in not ours, make us part of the solution since we have the answers and know what we want”.

This launch makes it easier for you children to speak out “ in one voice to the community and to reach my office for faster action. A young boy holds a placard on Child Rights during the launch of Children Assembly GIRLCHILD RIGHTS A DIVORCEE AT 15, I LOST ALL HOPE...... But now I am pursuing my Education dreams abroad.

Photo by Isaac Onyango

Above: School girls following the proceedings at an eductional event held at Ifo camp

By Josephine Pony ackward cultural practices such as early forced no choice, the decision had been made for me marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM) and to marry a very old man,” she said. “I wanted to child labour have deprived girls of education stay at school and learn like the boys, I cried so and opportunities that come with it. much.” She says in a pain-filled voice. “I managed B to escape from my parents and went to my uncle Barwaqo, a mother of five(two sons and three to ask for help. He was not able to dissuade them daughters), arrived in Dadaab ten years ago. against forcing me to drop out of school.” Unremorsefully, she believes that it is only her sons that attend school. Her three daughters were not allowed to She was forcefully married off to the old man and go to school. She kept the girls busy with house chores shortly after she conceived her first child at 14. Her “these are already enough lessons as they learn how to worst pain would soon come during her delivery. keep a family.” Says Barwaqo while preparing dough for She felt searing pain all over her body, her legs anjera (a Somali pancake). grew numb, and she was sweating and wailing. It was very difficult for her to deliver of her child, Her eldest daughter, Iqra, was forced to drop out of as she was not mature and her body was not school owing to the view that her education was not ready, as a result she had a stillbirth. Her husband import to either her family or the community. She was accused her of negligence during delivery with a then married off to an old man. “I was shocked, I had deliberate intent of killing the baby.

The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 10 GIRLCHILD RIGHTS

Bereaved and Divorced at 15 Camps.

The loss brought upon her another A bright and hardworking girl, she shocker. She hadn’t even fully Iqra, a bright and graduated from Illeys Primary school recuperated when she received her hardworking girl, and obtained admission to Dagahaley divorce sermon. She was now 15, she graduated High school. She once again proved bereaved and a divorcee. her diligence as she performed well from Illeys in her final form four Kenya Certificate However much these tragedies of life Primary school of Secondary Examinations (KCSE) almost broke her down to pieces, she and obtained obtaining a B plain grade. For her was able to stand turbulences that admission to great achievements she was awarded came her way. A once optimistic girl, a scholarship by World university depression crept in and she resigned Dagahaley High of Canada scholarship programme to fate allowing it to take its course on school. She once (WUSC). her life. “I was very disappointed, my again proved her life was at risk, I felt the whole world She is now a student at the Ontario crumbling down on me.” diligence as she University of Canada pursuing a degree performed well in in Education. She is now able to even Just as her inner energies and her final form four financially support her family back in convictions faded, hope shone the Dadaab camp. on her face. One day while she was Kenya Certificate fetching water she was approached by of Secondary a humanitarian aid worker from Examinations Psychology Counseling Unit (PSU), (KCSE) obtaining and she had a conversation with the aid worker. Sparing no details, she a B plain grade. narrated her ordeal to the aid worker For her great who then advised her to approach achievements, CARE psychology unit for counseling she was awarded sessions. a scholarship by The following morning, Iqra visited World university of the psychology office and met the Canada scholarship counselor. Her hope was renewed as she was then linked to Windle Trust programme Kenya, which is responsible for running (WUSC). high schools in the Dadaab Refugee THE Refugee 11 FEATURE AFTER 23 YEARS GROWING IN THE DADAAB CAMP, IT IS THE ONLY HOME I KNOW FEATURE

By Simon Bol

I have lived in Daadab for over 23 years now. It has not been a walk in the park. We have faced so many challenges each and every day, especially for a large family like mine, consisting “of six siblings and our parents. For a long time our only shelter was a plastic sheet which would heat up during the unforgiving, scorching, midday sun. There was food shortages as we all depended on the rations provided by WFP. There was not enough clean water PHOTO: New York Times and worse still, no latrines. So many growth. luckier to have been spared.” people suffered from cholera and When his father came back water borne diseases. I even lost Having narrowly escaped a clan home later in the evening, fear a brother, but it is the only home I was written all over his face as he know,” says Mohamed Bare attack that targeted his own father, he says, “In 1992, gun men from a narrated how their clansmen and women had been killed and their Since 1991 when the civil war nearby clan attacked our stead in Barawe, a coastal town in central property looted, it was evident broke out in Somalia thousands of the old man was in utter panic. Somalis have crossed the borders Somalia. They were looking for my father whom they alleged “We had to flee. We had to cross into Kenya seeking refuge from the the border and that is how my hostilities they faced back home. It belonged to one of the clans clamoring for power. Luckily he family and I found ourselves here is over two and a half decades and in Dadaab.” this has seen a set of generational was not home and we were even

The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 12 a child to grow up in as there were “I was just four years old when all In 2000 when I started primary frequent attacks and kidnappings. this happened. We took about school not many people valued As a result, humanitarian activities seven days to get to Amume the importance of education, kept being interrupted which town in northern Kenya near the explains Mohamed. The enrolment trickled down to the refugees who Somali border. We got registered was poor and girls were seldom in are the sole beneficiaries. by UNHCR and they brought us class. Although the government of to Dadaab camps where we have Kenya, the Somali government lived ever since.” He is quick to I completed my primary school and the UNHCR have embarked on tell me that he was too young to examinations, Kenya Certificate voluntary repatriation he feels he is remember what happened and of Primary Education, but I did not ready go back. He says, “There wouldn’t have known had it not not attain high grades. However, is no stable government in Somalia been told to him by his parents. I managed 260 out of possible that can protect us”. 500 and joined Hagadera High Idling in the camps playing dice School. Upon my completion of Dadaab is now a home to an high school, I got a job as a clerk estimated three hundred thousand “Back in the day there were not at Care’s Distribution Centre. This refugees who fled the civil war so many agencies in the camps opportunity changed my life and and poverty in Somalia. For most, which meant there were no job that of my entire family as I could this is the only home they have opportunities. We would wake up afford the little things that we ever known. With the voluntary and waste an entire day playing needed. repatriation ongoing, those who traditional games like jar. Life was do not feel ready to go back, like so hard and demeaning” he says. Not safe to grow up in Mohamed, fear that their stay He gets teary when he narrates here in Dadaab refugee camp, the how his mother passed away in Mohamed narrates that Dadaab only place they know as home, is 1999. She died of cholera. camps was not the safest place for under threat with rumours of mass repatriation filling the air.

As of June 2014, the number of people around the world forced by conflict to flee their homes, had soared past 51 million, the highest number since World War II, The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported

A refugee man feeding with his family. THE Refugee 13 PHOTO CREDITS: WWW.UNHCR..ORG PHOTO HEALTH & LIFETYLE Risks associated with skin bleaching. AFTER BEFORE

By Mohamed Awil It is the discrimination of men that ome people argue that Need for beauty have pushed some dark skinned beauty is skin deep, whilst A high number of women in the women to resort to bleaching in others strongly deny this refugee camps use skin lightening order to attract male suitors who statement. Opinions range agents in their quest for beauty. apparently prefer light skinned Sfrom saying lighter is beautiful to a Halima Hassan, 24, washes her face, women. “Black women are seldom glowing black is the peak of beauty. legs and arms and scrubs her whole courted, they are viewed as inferior” If darker skin is considered a body in cream. She has been treating Omar Basher, a Hagadera resident beautiful asset then why would her skin with lightening agents for explains. African women rank amongst the past 9 years, believing that fairer the world’s biggest users of skin skin could be the key to attaining In Hagadera, lightening cream lightening agents in the world? a rich man and a better life. In total businesses have boomed in Despite the health warnings on the she spends more than $30 a month recent years. Plastic powders and effects of sustained use of bleaching buying bleaching agents. ointments can be seen stacked agents. along sidewalks of Hagadera’s Small The effects of the agents are evident. Bakara. “My clients come in groups Bleaching, as it is widely known, She states that her new skin makes and some come as individuals has been in use for quite some her more beautiful. “Bleaching seeking consultation on the best time and its usage stimulated by makes me feel special”, she told products available and usage,” says celebrities touting lighter skin tones. The Refugee. “I am not seeking to Anab, a cosmetic shop owner. Despite growing concern over the be totally white, I only want to look chemicals they contain and the risk beautiful and I cannot stop using Khalif Muse Samatar is a Somali of skin cancer, most women have lightening agents.” poet who thinks that the society has continued to use the products as a changed to glorify what is not hers way to gain greater acceptance. Men She is not the only one. Most young and look down upon what is his. have not been excluded either, with girls are using the agents but would “We are looking down on our colour growing numbers of men starting to not fully admit it. Maryann Abdi is and culture and we are looking for use the treatment. just 17 and in form 3 in Hagadera what other races have”. High school. She says that the only It has grown to be a major public reason she uses bleaching agents is What is required is a change in health issue as the continued use to look beautiful. Adding that, “Light perception. Young women and of the chemicals contained in those skinned women are more beautiful men should be encouraged to products is adversely damaging to and are likely to be courted and accept themselves as they are the skin and puts the user at risk of married by men.” and consumers need access to serious diseases such as skin cancer. information on the dangers of skin- lightening products.

14 FilmAid International MANAGING DIRECTOR’s Itinerary With Heads Of Agencies In Dadaab Refugee Camp. Filmaid International Managing Director Keefe Murren Meets Partner Agencies’ Heads In Dadaab Refugee Camp and affirms progressive working relationships. THE Refugee 15 STORY COMPILED BY DADAAB MAIN OFFICE PHOTO BY ISAAC ONYANGO

t is about 8 o’clock on the women in health group’ workshop morning, patches of clouds glide and Hagadera’s ‘Men Aspire’ WFP Roundtable discussion across the pale blue sky and the workshop. Next was a roundtable meeting with vibrant sun rays have begun to World Food Programme Head of Iwarm the rural desert morning. Meeting with other Heads of Sub Office Louise Sowe and other The humanitarian plane carrying agencies programme staff. Keefe was informed FilmAid’s Managing Director, Keefe of the ongoing outreach activities Murren, drones at the Daadab UNICEF Meeting and the existing challenges facing the Airstrip. First on his itinerary was a working Bamba Chakula information campaign. breakfast meeting with the UNICEF The meeting sought mitigation This is the first visit by the New Acting area Manager Pauline strategies to strengthen future York based Director to the Akinyi where the meeting centred activities. Dadaab refugee camps to meet on upcoming projects on peace and strengthen the working building and education which Keefe welcomed the existing relationships with partner agencies FilmAid has been commissioned partnership collaboration and such as WFP, UNHCR, UNICEF, and to undertake by UNICEF in Daadab expressed FilmAid’s utmost willingness TDH. This was also an opportunity Primary school. Another program to a continued partnership. for the newly appointed Director to in discussion was the ‘Out of School touch base with the FilmAid field Children Cholera Information’ UNHCR Simama review programmes and staff. campaigns. A UNHCR meeting followed, where UNHCR’s Head of Sub Office Baba Fall, He made his first stop of the field They also discussed ways of Head of Community service Sadia Raka programmes at IFO’s Daytime fostering future engagements and other Community service Unit screening in IFO block and then including capacity building staffers were present. proceeded to ‘Be the Leader’ of FilmAid staff by UNICEF workshop that focuses on Communication for Development Central during the discussion was cholera and WASH. He also visited (C4D) department. the ongoing programmes run Dagahaley’s ‘Mothers and Leaders: jointly by the Community Service FilmAid International MD having a meeting with the Dadaab Main Office Staff Unit and FilmAid. Among them the Working in and Dadaab upcoming Malala Project, dealing with Terres De Homes’s children refugee camps as well as informal girl’s education, empowerment and protection matters urban settlements in , to mentorship, and the ‘Out of School Keefe wound up his three day meetings support and empower marginalized Children’ Unicef funded information with a courtesy call at TDH. The two communities. FilmAid works with campaign. agencies having had a long standing partners, sponsors, volunteers, and memorandum of on child protection full-time staff to deliver life-saving The UNHCR meeting focused on information dissemination in Hagadera information to those who need it the review of the Simama Project and Kambioos refugee camp. most. undertaken by FilmAid in December The conversations revolved around 2015. The discussions were around ways of furthering the established the success of the project and ways of operations for greater efficiency for circumventing visible gaps observed both partners. during the production. The meeting also discussed ways of Over time TDH scaling up the project in the future to has offered give it a good lead time to production training to and dissemination. FilmAid field staff on child In support of the Refugee participants protection at the coming Olympic Games in Rio de issues. Janeiro, Keefe requested the exploration Understanding of partnership and sponsorship avenues FilmAid to enable screening of the games in the Programs camps. This would connect the refugees FilmAid’s with the rest of the world and enable programs in them to support their own. It would Kenya are also act as a psycho-social deviation extensive. from their routine lives. Keefe speakig to the Dagahaley Team Leader Gelle Moulid at the Dagahaley offices 17 ADIEU SAVE THE CHILDREN... BIENVENUE TERRE DE HOMMES

By Caleb Odhiambo Save the Children (SC) officially paved the way for Terre des hommes (Tdh) who will continue supporting children in Hagadera Refugee camp as of 31st December , 2015. SC rolled Keefe meeting with FilmAid IFO Team leader Abulony Okello at FAI IFO up its activities after being in the offices camp since May 2007.

The transition process which commenced in October 2015 when it was launched by the Country Directors from Save the Children and Terre des hommes was finalized when the two partners met with a cross section of the camp and section leaders, the staff and the host community, UNHCR, DRA and other partners to inform them of the move and prepare them of the change in the coming period.

From Left to Right: Mordecai Odera, FA Programmes Director, Dennis UNHCR Protection Associate Ms Munene, Film Trainer, Keefe Murren and Film Training alumni Akune Virginia Njoroge was present to Danze, Liban Rashid and Osman Alim at the IFO studio witness the transition process and the transfer of Caseload which captures children’s data ensuring that all cases dealt with are recorded and clearly accounted for.

SC lauded the Hagadera community for their support in putting up together the community structures that will ensure the children are protected and they have a place for recreation through the Child education and Welfare Centres (CEWC).

Keefe Murren with the FA Hagadera staff. Far right is FA Dadaab Field Manager Charity Kola and Hagadera Team Leader Aden Bare (in a The Refugee Magazine Issue # 7 18 white cap) Poet’s Lounge

MORE THAN MY SKIN

Although to your eyes am a black eyed pea I am more than my skin Everywhere I go you say do not fit No smiles, EVEN our eyes wouldn’t meet, This long we both belong to a piece longing for peace Who created you, was He not the one who created me? Am I my creator?

I am bound by sorrows, the scorn I go through My brain and bones are scattered by you. You pickle my soul, rapture my veins Is it because my head is not veiled? Am tortured by your words, and am lost in this world Does anyone have power to create themselves? Am I my creator?

Where would I hide my face? Your eyes sear through me more than the thorns of the desert, Untill when? Until the sharp rocks char all the sole on my feet? Or till I walk back and have my throat get slit? Take a walk in our shoes for a day So that you’d taste the pain of tears Are we our own creators?

Which is the perfect place for me? Yours eyes are like scorching desert sun on my feeble flesh In my presence you cover your noses Is it because of the dark pigmentation on my skin Can anyone choose the colour of their skin? If it be my sins, For my skin tone I atone, Am not my skin

Dark as I maybe, like a sun tanneslave I am a poet and my words I won’t mince What happened to the love we once had? You now say am not fit for henna I walk head high, acting brave but am in fear Fear of being pelted with sneers Can you create yourself? THE Refugee 1917 POEM BY ADHIEW ACHAIEL POETRY I WILL CRY FOR MY LAND

When will I stop weeping? Shedding tears for my country I’m in a sea of grief crying for my land Dark days won’t move And dawn won’t break The agony in my heart last for years I get beaten and I am broken I will cry for my land

They say words don’t break bones But lack of peaceful words have broken too many souls As dark clouds collect, vile men too collect The skies won’t open its doors, not a single rain drop on my soil But the ground sips innocent men’s blood Did this soil not bear a true sons of the land to stand firm on guard? Until when will we weep? I need peace, you need peace, we all need peace I will cry for my land

We killed our past and now we are busy in killing our future We aborted the great mission, strayed away from the path Lost truth along the way, took war instead of peace We lost our identity of peace, identity of love The pain of such loss is too much to bear Cleansing each other for no reason leaves us in tears I will cry for my land

My tears don’t stop when I see Mothers’ breasts dry of milk Babies don’t las a week Men die every day, young and strong get hang on sticks This is the land of my forefathers Their souls cry for peace, that we may trade back hoes for the blood shed I will cry for this soil,

“O” Allah grant us understanding, safeguard our people and our nation.

POEM BY AHMED HASSAN IBRAHIM 2018 SIMAMA TV SHOW CREW

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