Mahama Refugee Camp is taking a #StepWithRefugees

This year, as UNHCR Rwanda, Sub Office Kirehe, we joined the #stepwithrefugees challenge and held a one week campaign between the 13^th and 20^th of June, in light of this year’s 2019 theme to show solidarity with refugees.

As one of the smallest countries in Africa, Rwanda is hosting around 77,000 refugees from DRC, and, 71,000 refugees from Burundi amongst others, in camps and urban settings. As a result of election-related tensions in neighbouring Burundi, Rwanda has opened its border to Burundian refugees who have fled the country since April 2015.

UNHCR Kirehe Sub Office, in cooperation with the Government of Rwanda, is in charge of Mahama Refugee Camp, which is UNHCR’s sixth and newest camp in Rwanda. Mahama Refugee Camp has become the country’s largest camp – hosting Burundian refugees since the emergency. It has a population around 60,000 refugees. As the camp has completed its’ fourth year of existence, the efforts have been focusing on interventions with more durable impact, such as developing partnerships in livelihoods, education and development, in line with the country’s commitments in scope of the Comprehensive Refugee Response Framework.

The campaign lasted approximately six days with various activities held in Mahama Refugee camp.

Preparations

In order to ensure the meaningful participation and ownership of the refugees, and to also promote the involvement of the host community, all activities were jointly organized and conducted with Persons of Concern, UNHCR staff, Partners, Government of Rwanda officials and host community. We held several preparatory meetings to plan and implement all activities with a preparatory committee divided in different sub-committees, representing different refugee groups and profiles. The host community representatives were present from the start, as a part of their involvement in peaceful coexistence.

Day 1: Ready to move with Refugees!

We launched the campaign #stepwithrefugees with Aerobics in Mahama Refugee Camp. Refugees including persons with specific needs (persons with disabilities, elderly),youth, men, women, children, and representatives from different community based structures, UNHCR and Partner staff jointly conducted this activity at the refugee camp main football pitch. Participants enjoyed aerobics side by side, and at their own paces, to celebrate togetherness, inclusion and solidarity.

Aerobics in Mahama refugee camp brought together UNHCR staff, partners, and refugees. Aerobics included including persons with specific needs (persons with disabilities, elderly), youth, men, women, and children. ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Day 2:

UNHCR and partners joined the community for Umuganda. “Umuganda” is a practice that takes root from Rwandan Culture of self-help and cooperation. In summary, this is community work. During the campaign, we conducted general cleaning together with the refugee community in Mahama refugee camp. In addition, together with the refugee community, we renovated two houses that were in terrible condition for two elderly refugee women.

Umuganda to stand with the most vulnerable ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Umuganda to stand with the most vulnerable ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Umuganda to stand with the most vulnerable ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Day 3: Sports time!

Mahama team recognizes the impact of sports in the well-being of refugees. On Day 3, together with the refugees, we held a sports tournament: football, seat ball for persons with disabilities and basketball.

Hello from Mahama, it’s sports time! ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Day 4: Livelihoods Activities

In Mahama Refugee Camp, we are in the process of transitioning from firewood and introducing gas as a source of energy. Together with refugees, we spent the day cooking with the newly introduced gas stoves and demonstrated how gas is used.

In addition, we participated in livelihood activities, such as tailoring, weaving and shoe making in different community centres within the camp.

“Together with refugees, we spent the day cooking with the newly introduced gas stoves and demonstrated how gas is used.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

“Together with refugees, we spent the day cooking with the newly introduced gas stoves and demonstrated how gas is used.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

“Together with refugees, we spent the day cooking with the newly introduced gas stoves and demonstrated how gas is used.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

“Together with refugees, we spent the day cooking with the newly introduced gas stoves and demonstrated how gas is used.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

“We participated in livelihood activities, such as tailoring, weaving and shoe making in different community centres within the camp.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Day 5: Education

We walked and attended school with the refugee children and youth who attend Paysannat Primary and Secondary School. In Rwanda, refugee children and youth are integrated in the national education system. This school is placed in the host community in the proximity of the camp, and is attended by both Burundian and Rwandan students. It has a total number of 23,000 students, which makes it one of the biggest schools in Rwanda. We as staff, were able to step in their shoes, learn and experience the challenges they face as students.

On another note, on the same day, UNHCR and partner staff attended a Burundian traditional wedding ceremony and had an opportunity to experience the Burundian culture.

“We as staff, were able to step in their shoes, learn and experience the challenges they face as students.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

“We as staff, were able to step in their shoes, learn and experience the challenges they face as students.” ©UNHCR/Kirehe SO CBP

Day 6: The D-Day!

UNHCR, Government of Rwanda officials, Partners and refugees commemorated World Refugee Day with a colourful event. The event included performances by Burundian drummers, dancers, drama, Taekwondo and acrobatics performed by youth groups. In addition, we had from Government Rwanda Officials and UNHCR representatives.

During Rwandan Cabinet Resolutions in June, the Government of Rwanda decided to celebrate the Day of the African Child, with the theme of ‘Children’s Rights now” on 20^th of June, instead of the 16^th. Mahama Team adopted the same day, and the day was celebrated jointly with the World Refugee Day. Children were present during the event, with their dances, sketches, poems and songs.

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