A City in Waiting
Look past the label of "refugee camp." Dzaleka is a bustling, self-organized urban settlement of over 56,000 people squeezed into a space originally designed for 10,000.
Established in 1994, Dzaleka has evolved from temporary shelter into a permanent home for generations of families from the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. Life here is defined by a stark paradox: a vibrant, tenacious community spirit that thrives despite severe legal restrictions on movement and employment.
Survival: The Daily Reality
For the average resident, each day is a negotiation for basic necessities. The camp infrastructure is overwhelmed, and most families survive on a WFP monthly stipend of roughly $9 per person—barely enough to cover basic food needs for two weeks.
The Informal Economy
Under the 1989 Refugee Act, residents generally lack the right to formal employment or free movement. This forces economic activity underground, yet the camp bustles with small businesses—from grocery kiosks to furniture workshops.
Every Tuesday, the camp transforms for "Mardi Marché" (Tuesday Market). Traders from across Dowa District descend on Dzaleka, creating a massive commercial hub where refugees and locals trade vegetables, electronics, and textiles side-by-side.
Entrepreneurship is a form of resistance. Denied formal jobs, residents create their own opportunities:
Kibébé
A social enterprise where artisans craft high-quality upcycled products involved in the global market.
King's Chapati
A legendary local bakery that has become a culinary staple of the camp's daily life.
Umoja Crafts
Women's cooperative weaving traditional baskets to support their families.
Education & Youth
With a massive youth population, education is a race against overcrowding. Classroom ratios can reach 1:88, yet students remain determined.
Primary & Secondary
JRS operates schools where children often attend in shifts. The Dzaleka Community Day Secondary School is a beacon of excellence, consistently performing well in national exams despite limited resources.
Digital Skills
TakenoLAB and AppFactory are refugee-led tech hubs teaching coding. For many youth, digital work offers a rare legal loophole to earn an income remotely.
Higher Learning
Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL) provides online diploma courses, offering one of the few pathways to accredited higher education for adults in the camp.
Culture & Resilience
Dzaleka is not just a place of survival; it is a cultural melting pot where Congolese rumba blends with Burundian drumming and Malawian vibes. The community's resilience shines brightest through its arts.
Founded in 2014 by refugee poet Menes La Plume, Tumaini (meaning "Hope") is the world's only music and arts festival held within a refugee camp.
For one weekend a year, the camp opens its doors to the world. International artists, tourists, and locals dance together, shattering stereotypes and generating significant income for camp businesses. It is Dzaleka's proudest showcase of peace and creativity.
Experience Dzaleka Firsthand
Book a guided tour to see beyond the statistics and connect with the real people and stories of this remarkable community.