Kenyan Refugee Camp: Culture & Dance
- KALOBEYEI, Kenya-In Kakuma refugee camp, located in northern Kenya, children are using dance as a coping mechanism amid harsh conditions.
- The Acholi people, primarily from Uganda and South Sudan, are among those residing in Kakuma, established in 1992.
- At the Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement, the "Furaha" playground, managed by the Swiss association Terre des hommes, offers a space for children to play.Tho, reduced resources and staffing, stemming...
Witness the power of dance in Kakuma refugee camp, where Kenyan children find solace amidst hardship. Funding cuts have halved food rations,but the youth embrace art for resilience. Discover how traditional Acholi dance and modern robot moves create joy and fight against child labor.These programs are changing lives right now. Gladis Amwony finds strength in her Ugandan heritage through dance. Learn how community officers try to combat dwindling resources to support children and the challenges they face.news Directory 3 brings you this critical story of survival and hope. Explore the innovative ways these children confront adversity, and experience the stories of the children who persevere through dance. Discover what’s next …
Kenyan Refugee Children Find Solace Through Dance Amid Funding Cuts
Updated June 27, 2025
KALOBEYEI, Kenya-In Kakuma refugee camp, located in northern Kenya, children are using dance as a coping mechanism amid harsh conditions. Monthly food rations have been halved due to funding cuts, impacting teh livelihoods of over 300,000 refugees. Despite these challenges, the community’s youth find joy and resilience through artistic expression.
The Acholi people, primarily from Uganda and South Sudan, are among those residing in Kakuma, established in 1992. To combat hunger,children have learned to stretch their rations,currently at 30% of the U.N. nutritional recommendation, by skipping lunches. Traditional Acholi dance serves as a welcome distraction.
At the Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement, the “Furaha” playground, managed by the Swiss association Terre des hommes, offers a space for children to play.Tho, reduced resources and staffing, stemming from funding cuts, jeopardize the safety and engagement of these children.
Gladis Amwony, a 20-year-old who has lived in Kakuma for eight years, participates in Acholi dances to maintain her connection to her Ugandan heritage.”I’m happiest when I dance,” Amwony said. “I feel connected to my ancestors.”
nearby, in Kalobeyei Village 3, a group of boys practice a unique robot dance, complete with masks and synchronized movements. They are scheduled to perform during this year’s World Refugee Day, showcasing the talent and resilience within the refugee community. These programs offer more than just entertainment; they serve as a vital tool to combat child labor, abuse, and crime.
John Papa, a community officer for Terre des hommes, noted the impact of the funding shortfalls. “We are now reducing some of the activities because we are few,” Papa said, highlighting the struggle to serve 500 children with limited staff.
What’s next
The future of these child-friendly spaces remains uncertain. Continued operation hinges on reversing the current funding trends, ensuring these vital programs can continue to provide support and opportunities for refugee children.