The number of people with Albinism has increased with the growing new influxes that flock to the congested refu-gee camps of Dadaab in north eastern Kenya. Currently, there are over twenty Somali individuals with the albinism dwelling in the camps.

Their poor living conditions are characterized with unfa-vorable housing/shelter, harsh and dusty environment coupled with hot scorching sun, lack of enough food and moreover unbearable discrimination. This makes them to be the most vulnerable people in the Dadaab refugee set up. “My son died in a very bad situation. I watched him helplessly until his body turned into bloody tissues” cries Habibo as she explains how her two year old son died in Hagadera camp.

Albinism is not a disease but a condition. It is just lack of pigmentation in the skin and hair of a person. It is mainly an inherited genetic condition and can affect all human

being. However, there are many speculations about the condition and its effect on human life.

These speculations vary from one community to another depending on their traditional believes.

Due to the lack of pigmentation in their skin which could protect them from sun burn, Albinos are recommended to use appropriate clothing, sunscreens and hats. But that is impossible in a place like Dadaab where the question is not about what to wear but what to eat and where to live? “My major problem as for now is shelter, I don’t know where to

LIVING WITH ALBINISMIN DADAAB REFUGEE

CAMPS

What’s Inside?

REFUGEEFREE AT

LAST!

TH

EThis newspaper has been published by refugee youth under FilmAid’s

Participatory Video Project in Dadaab Refugee Camp. Its a result of a short Journalism training that

was facilitated by a former refugee. The newpaper features stories from all over the globe in a

bid to empower refugees and enlighten the world on the same.

SUDANESE REFUGEES CELEBERATE THE OUTCOME

OF THE SOUTH SUDAN RESULTS IN DADAAB CAMPS.

Does the world know about DADAAB?March 2011, Issue no. 3

Sudanese refugees in Dadaab camps of Kenya have overwhelmingly celebrated the announcements of the results of southern Sudan referendum which was released on 14 February, 2011. They all voted unanimously for separation early January this year.

The results come at a time when Sudanese refugees in Dadaab are facing major chal-lenges in terms of food, security and shelter. Hundreds of them are currently residing in makeshift tents in a transit at IFO camp. They were evacuated from Hagadera camp after conflict erupted between them and the majority Somali community who allegedly

By Moulid Iftin Hujale

By Moulid Iftin Hujale

A Sudanese refugee displays the index finger after casting his vote in Ifo refugee Camp

A Polling centre in Ifo refugee CampContinued in pg. 5

Continued in pg. 6

Bingo a former Sudanese refugee from Kakuma now a journalist a with top media house in Sudan.

The Refugee of the month: pg. 7

The Boda Boda Ride: pg.5

The growth of boda boda as a means of transport in Ifo Camp

A Shattered dream: pg. 4

Living with pain and prejudice: pg. 3

The Academic situation in Dadaab Camps: pg.3

Liban Rashid gives an insight into the status of education in Dadaab

The moving story of Diire who for the last two years has had to cope with an unusual

swelling on his face

Abdullahi a former policeofficer from Mogadishu shares his inspiring story with the Refugee team

2 The Refugee Issue No.3

EDITORIAL

THE TEAM

Editor-in-chief:Abdi Abdullahi

Managing editor:Moulid Hujale

News Production Coordinator:Aden Hassan Tarah

Photographer:Liban Rashid

Staff Reporters: Hussein Hassan ,

Mohamed Abdi GelleMohamed Ali Hassan

Kowsar Asad warsameEbla Abdullahi

therefugee.newspaper@gmail.com

www.therefugeenewspaper.blogspot.com

...an yet another better edition.

It is my pleasure to present you the third edition of the refugee newspaper. Even though we delayed but it is all in the pursuit of giving the best with the limited resources available. As a baby child learning to walk, we keep on falling and getting back to normal despite all the challenges we face. There is nothing impossible for those who believe in the reality of their dreams.

In an attempt to extract the untold stories from the real inside of Dadaab complex, the refugee newsletter explores the potential of diverse youths from different backgrounds; who wholeheartedly volunteer to write real stories that are mostly neglected or considered impossible.

It is interesting to mention that in this issue, there are two articles written in the Somali language. This is to incorporate our readers who do not understand the English language. However, we are hopping to have a Somali version in every edition we produce in the near future.

I am glad to announce that we have successfully launched our official Blog (therefugeenewspaper.blogspot.com). Here you can connect us, read the daily updates and access an electronic copy of each edition of the Refugee newspaper. Meanwhile, we are working on a special website for the newsletter which will be released sometime in July this year Inshallah.

Our friends in the Diaspora are also following us on the facebook social media network. They have contributed inspiring stories to this issue too. You can also join us on our facebook page and send us your suggestions and comments.

The refugee team work hard to ensure that the voice of Dadaab youth is heard throughout the world, although the obstacles that come along are beyond the capacity. I would therefore appeal to UNHCR and any other well wisher to support this project so that the youth can get a forum to share ideas, experiences and advocate for the entire refugees in Dadaab.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to appreciate all those who contributed to The Refugee Newsletter and special thanks to Filmaid international for being our mentor and partner whom we relied on for most of our activities.

Moulid Iftin Hujale,Managing Editor,The Refugee Newspaper,Dadaab, Kenya.

“I am glad to announce that we have successfully

launched our official Blog

(therefugeenewspaper.blogspot.com).

The Refugee Team during a journalism training.

On the 5th of March, FilmAid International, for the first time conducted the Mass Audience

Daytime Screenings(MADS) in Ifo Camp. The screening took place at section N and saw large turn out in which their latest film ‘Not Me

But the Law’ a film based SGBV was screened

In February two men were shot and killed in Ifo camp in broad daylight.

This is was an isolated case and it has been a while before any case of its kind was reported. One of the men

died on the spot while the other was rushed to hospital. it is still unknown

as to why they were shot

On the 27th January the youth in Dagahaley managed to hold their election in which they peacfully

elected their leaders. This was a good precedent and it is hoped that the same can be replicated in Somalia

Dadaab at a Glance

DADAAB STRUGGLES TO GAIN MOMENTUM IN SECONDARY EDUCATION

BY LIBAN RASHID MOHAMED

KCSE results are out and there are ululation and jubilation all over Kenya in welcoming the results. Dadaab which is the world’s largest refugee settlement was not left behind to do the same

In reference to last years results Mr. a biology teacher in Ifo Camp feels that there is little progress in regards to academic improvement “basing on last years result as compared to the previous year, it was disappointing but there was very minimal improvement. it is worth mentioning that the 2009 results was better than last year results. As noted, performance worsen year after year where only one girl qualified for Canadian scholarship. However, teachers are trying their best to improve the performance of the schools.

The poor performance according to one Zahra Abdi a student in Ifo can be attributed to poor learning conditions. ”The enviroment under which we are learning is not conducive for studies but we struggle to make sure that we complete secondary school with no hope of going to higher education” She says.

Currently there are six secondary schools in Dadaab. Three of them are community initiated. There are 1644 students in the three secondary school (Dagahley, Ifo and Hagadera) in addition to that 1048 students from the community run the community secondary school this is according to Windle trust Kenya which is the agency that implements secondary education.

Mr. Anobora, a Somali refugee elder who is the founder of the community secondary schools in the camps had this to say: “Education will empower the refugees with knowledge, skills and

experiences in terms of leaderships and peaceful coexistence between people between nations in their home country that could help reconstruct their homeland.

It is said that books allow you to escape to another world this is exactly what can make a refugee graduate to get further education. The chance of getting high education is very limited and rarer. “in one way I am happy to be one of the students who got the opportunity to go Canada for further education but a little sad to leave behind my classmates and friends who also performed well but the chance could not allow them to join me” says Fadumo. “I urge them not to lose hope and not to think their academic life is an end with the completion of high school studies” she adds.

Parents in Dadaab take their children to school in the hope that they lead a better future. Thanks to the free primary education. Free education being a golden chance but still many others

have to stay home either because their parents cannot provide their basic school needs or need their help to cater for the family’s chore.

Female student are particularly vulnerable and more affected by this situation. apart from spending so much of their time preparing food, fetching water, firewood and helping their parents. They also have to endure cultural bias steaming from living in pastoral society.

In terms of performance, this year being the year of boys. In Dadaab the girls are having this argument: “anyone who knows how important self confidence is for one’s success can understand how destructive such an attitude and how that one problem can cause more harm than all the other more practical problems” argues Zahara, a form three student in IFO secondary school. “My fellow girls please fight all these obstacles and persue your goals of making to complete high schools.

The Refugee Issue No.3 3

What started as a tiny unusual swollen spot on the left cheek of a 37 year old Diire turned out to be a mass tissue covering almost the whole of his face? The swelling has been gradually, but uncontrollably increasing in size for the past two years in the lawless land of southern Somalia where Diire lived.

It soon started engulfing the left eye making it difficult to see anything. It also invaded nearby organs like the left ear and the nose. It had also blocked the nostril which made him breath only through the mouth.

With no medical attention in the war torn country, Diire had to leave his children for dear life. “I was advised to go to Dadaab camps in neighboring Kenya, where I would get quick medication from overwhelming Aid agencies.” He says.

Almost one year have gone now after registering with UNHCR however, Diire did not get any treatment. His condition worsens day after day. The tumor on his

face had been e x p a n d i n g pathetically, b u s h i n g the mouth and nose while nearly covering the right eye.“A day never passed unless I visited the main hospital in IFO camp. But I am always c o n v i n c e d that my case is being processed for referral in Nairobi.” He says with a hopeless tone.

Diire is among the many desperate refugees suffering in Dadaab camps where more than 300,000 refugees live. IFO being one of the camps has only one main hospital.

This makes the hospital c o n s t a n t l y overcrowded. There is only one single m e d i c a l doctor in the whole camp who receives all patients with chronic illness. One has to book in advance with the nurses to meet with the camp doctor. Such

a p p o i n t m e n t can take several weeks or even months.

H o w e v e r , meeting with the camp

doctor is not guaranteed due to the high number of people he has to attend to. “Many patients die before they

see the doctor while others develop complications that worsens their already fragile situations” says Isnino Ali, IFO camp chairlady.

Almost twelve months of going to and from the hospital, Diire’s problems multiplied. The swelling has reached the jaws making him difficult to eat. “I had not eaten anything for the past three months; my teeth can no longer chew food. Milk and water is the only thing I can take” cries Diire.

Community leaders tirelessly challenge health organizations in Dadaab refugee camps by demanding more qualified doctors and better provision of services with adequate facilities. In a day long meeting that was discussed many issues health being top in the agenda, this is what they had to say: “We will never give up crying for help until our objectives are met. We therefore, appeal to the international community and any well wisher to see into our problems directly and support us in the shortest time possible for the matter is about our lives!”

LIVING WITH PAIN AND PREJUDICE

K.C.S.EKENYA CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION

THE ACADEMIC SITUATION IN DADAAB REFUGEE CAMPS

“I had not eaten anything for the past three months;

my teeth can no longer chew food. Milk and water is the only thing I can take”

By; Abdi Abdullahi

He was one of those empowered to enforce the law, protect property and reduce civil disorder before and after the devastation of the Siad Barre regime in Somalia but currently he is one amongst many who did see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Omar was born in 1966 in Mogadishu and finished his high school in 1984. As his dream was to become a lawyer he joined the Gahayr university-one of the then progressive universities in Somalia. He embraced the faculty of law and in 1987 he acquired a degree in law. In 1987 he joined the police force and was accorded a dual task of working in both the airport and seaport in Banadir district (Mogadishu) becoming in charge of the costumed duties in these two key areas.

In 1991 when the civil war erupted in the country he hopes and dreams that he will one day become a renowned man in the entire country was shattered. Then he decided to go to Egypt through Ethiopia via Sudan and lived in Cairo for five years.

In 1996 he came back to ill-omen capital where systematic human right abuse and indiscriminate killing was a daily reality. “Mogadishu seemed to me a strange town I have never been to,” He recalls. He impassively watched the town with crumbled walls and having the appearance of a ghost town where its true inhabitants were perished or have all deserted.

After a period of four years, Abdikasim salat hassan was elected as the interim president of Somalia in Djibouti in the

year 2000. And a few days after the advent of the transitional national government in Mogadishu, Abdullahi become one of the former police officers who were called to take over the responsibilities to restore law and order. “In the duration between 2000 and 2004 I became a trainer for three different police departments” he said.

Subsequently, in 2005 which was a transitional period for Abdilkasim Salat he was appointed as the head of the parliamentary security committee and in 2006 he went to Egypt to pursue his policing career and took part in an advance training program led by the African centers for crime prevention and on anti-narcotics and psychotropic substances.

After getting trained he returned to Baidoa where the government in the weak moment formed its base which was relatively peaceful since Mogadishu was ruled by cruel warlords who were a devil incarnates. “They perpetrated a dreadful outrage, made deliberate killings and their actions of betraying the civilians were virtually identical” he cries.

In January 2007, he was named as the head of the police in Kansahdere and in October the same year he was transferred to Dinsor as a territorial area of responsibilities where plotted explosions targeted against the government and agencies was common. He worked in crime prevention and also served as a civic guard.

In February 2008 more than eighty trucks for world’s food program laden with relief food came to Dinsor. They were accompanied by the world’s food program officials on logistics and security. “They came to ensure a

proper food distribution to the needy people is done” he says. “The UN food agency was the only humanitarian agency which was dedicated to reach the Somali people in the times of hunger and national disaster” he added.

One morning fighting erupted in Dinsor between pro-government

troops and the Al-shabaab militants. “Immediately, I evacuated the agency officers from their residential and hid them in an ordinary house and then I escaped” he says.

Then after eighty hours he was contacted by the district commissioner and told that the town was save and the invaders deserted after they seized it. When he came back the first thing he did was check if the officers were in good condition and when he realized that they were in peace he took them to a nearby town called Wajid where they were airlifted.

After sometime in the same day the Al-shabaab forces waged another attack and many people died. “This really forced me to escape towards the Somali-Kenya border” he said. On reaching Sukeyle a town close to the Kenyan border he communicated to his family and they joined him after few days.

On 15th August 2008 he reached Dagahley camp and on 16th he was registered as a refugee and on 18th August he was transferred to IFO camp.

Today Omar is taking care of a family size of seven and the UN refugee agency has described him as a person of concern to the office of the United Nations high commissioner for refugees to be protected from forcible return to a country where he will face threats and persecution to his life or freedom.

=-

“Mogadishu seemed to me a strange

town I have never been

to”

A Shattered

Dream!

4 The Refugee Issue No.3

Resettlement is a dream for most refugees in the world. According to them, it is the only way they can achieve their goals in life. However, not all refugees get the opportunity to be resettled. Some do not qualify and those who do so have a long way to go through before they get resettled.

The quest for resettlement is a major focus among refugees in Dadaab camps. Almost every one talks about how he/she could leave for a third country. This made many people psychologically affected. Thereby developing a condition referred to as “BUUFIS” an original Somali word that has special meaning for the Somali community. It is when someone is highly obsessed with resettlement issues. This is very popular among Somali refugees dwelling in Dadaab. Men, women children and mostly youths always talk about it; making it difficult to distinguish the truth from the false. A wide spread of rumors about the process of resettlement has taken a deep root among the many refugees in Dadaab camps.

Considering the rumors and its effects, Filmaid international came up with a community based film about resettlement. In order to dispel all rumors about the condition buufis and it’s coarse. The film directly involves immediate community members to help the audience get the correct information and understand what seems to be complex to them. With the help of highly trained youths by Filmaid International under a project known as Participatory Video Project, the crew and actors/casts were chosen and the film was shot in IFO refugee camp in a period of 4 weeks.

All the people who took part in the production of the film come from diverse origins. However, they worked together towards a common goal and the film became very successful. A part from acting, the team learned integration, patience and perseverance. “Whenever I meet Haboon, who was acting as my mother in the film, I feel like I have two mothers.” Says Ja’afar who acted as a son to Haboon.

Community members who take part in such projects always feel a like. There is an element of love and unity among them. “I learnt a lot from this film” says Guled, the father of the film. “We are looking forward to making more films and documentaries that will educate the public.” Says Elwak, a PVP member.

They say seeing helps believing; the public understands better when they see things happening than when they hear about or when they are told. Not only about resettlement but other dangerous activities/behaviours like the harmful cultural practices and HIV/AIDS are some of the works these youths have produced under participatory video project.

ROAD TO NEW HOME BY HUSSIEN HASSAN ( M.SUUD)

The Refugee Issue No.3 5

accused them of murdering a small boy in July last year. Like most refugees in Dadaab, hope for going back to their home of origin was just a dream. However, the recent referendum paved the way for a poten-tial struggle for independence. Resettlement to a third country was the only option but today the focus is different. “We now have an identity and a place to call home” says Akaeu, a Sudanese youth leader in Ifo.

Following the days when the results were being announced, the Sudanese commu-nity organized a very colorful event/feast to celebrate the outcome of the referendum in which they have chosen to stand as an inde-pendent country. The event was graced by agency representatives and community leaders from the diverse ethnic backgrounds living in Ifo camp.

“We are very much excited to celebrate with you today, we lost hope and always dream of America but today we are feeling that there is an ultimate alternative” says Mama Isnino, the overall chairlady of Ifo camp.

They said almost 99% of southern Sudanese voted in favor of secession. However, the official declaration for independence will be announced in July this year.

Besides that, there is a long way to go before the new born country stands its own feet.

Announcing the final results is not the end of the process. High profile issues including resources like

oil, land demarcation, citizenship, legal matters and the disputed border region of Abyei need to be negotiated.

These celebrations and feasts by the Sudanese communities dwelling in Dadaab have moved the minds of many refugees dwelling in the camps. “The sense of going back to my own country filled my heart” says Haleste, a Somali youth who was invited to attend the event.

With respect to the difference in their culture and religion, the Sudanese community never feasted with the Somali communities who make up to 97% of the population in Dadaab camps. However, the announcement of the results of the referendum and the celebration thereafter served as a bond that united these divergent communities. “We are happy to be with you today but I would like to warn you against tribalism lest your future be ruined.” Says Musilla leader who was also among the guest invited.

By Abdi kadir Emkey Bicycles are one of the main transport systems used in Dadaab camps especially IFO and DAGAHALEY. It is usually operated by young men among them include the class eight dropouts and other non-school going youths who are jobless. Since 1996 bicycles have been increasing with an alarming number to date.

Many people depend on these bicycles directly or indirectly. There are those who depend on it for income while others benefit from its services. In the beginning these bicycles were used by children for leisure. For instance, young boys used to go and pay for one hour ride whereas some were taught how to ride. However, these bicycles had no centre/base where people could access easily whenever they want. The cost for riding was as low as one Kenya shilling. A time came when the population of IFO tripled. Everything changed; there was rapid development in all aspects of life. Small vehicles were introduced as means of transport, mostly taxis for internal and external use.Bicycle owners were not left behind. They also developed and managed to have a base/centre where customers could reach them and seek services. Currently, there are over 500 bicycles used for public transport in the camp.Most people have appreciated and adapted to use bicycles. ‘‘It really helped me and I got used to it. I mostly use them during exams when I am supposed to report to school before the actual time,’’ says Says LeenQaboob, a primary teacher in IFO camp. Those engaged in business and incentive agency

staffs are among the people who normally use the bicycles, sometimes known as BODA BODA. It is more like the Kisumu City Boda Boda in Kenya.It is very advantageous during rainy season where bicycles outdo small vehicles. This is because the roads in the camp are mainly muddy when torrential

rains fall. In such occasions only bicycles can manage to move around through the small corners and make their way to the work places, market places and the residential areas.

Even though the fare goes up due to the fact that no other means is possible and more so to the general economic crisis. A young boy known as Waiter whose bicycles operate in the camp commented on this issue “actually, it is more difficult to cycle when there is water on the ground than when it is dry that is why the fare fluctuates on some occations.’’ 

THE BODA BODA RIDE GUURKA XAWILAADAADEN HASSAN TARRAH (STAR FM)

Guurka xawilaada ah waa guurka waayadaan dambe la caadiyeestay, isla-markaasna noqday middka intabadan gabdhaha soomaaliyeed ee ku nool xeryaha dadaab loo isticmaalo qaab xawilaad ah.

Waxaana intabadan isticmaalo ragga ku nool dalalka reer-galbeedka islamarkaasna u soo guurdoonta, hablaha ka dhashay reeraha tabarta yar iyo kuwa aan aqoonta leheen.

Guurkaan xawilaada ah ee nin jooga Ameerika,Yurub iyo qaaradaha kale ee aduunka ayaa wuxu soo dalbanaya gabar joogta xeryaha dadaab oo ay ay ku qaxeen somalibadan, wuxuu soo shubaa lacag wuxuna oranaya gabdha ugu jirta reerka ayan rabaa . xeryaha dadaab waa meesha ugu daran ee arrinkaan laga caadiyeestay, waxad arkeysaa ninkasta ee ka yimaado dalalka reer-galbeedka ah wuxu u yimaadaa in uu guursado, lakin boqolkiiba todobaatan iyo shan ma noqdo mid miro dhalla.

Intakale ujeedo ayeyka wataan,waa sida ay qabaan dadka indheer garadka ah lakin dadkii waxaa laga raacay dibad iyo lacag. islamarkana aysan kaba fikirin gabadha reerkooda ninkaan muxuu yahay. Balse waxay si hal’halleel ah loo siiyaa gabdha ninka bixiye lacagta badan, waxaana laga yaabaa inay gabadhu jeceshahay ninkale ama xiriir la leedahay qofkale.

marar qaar yaa waxa dhacdo in gabadha ka madax adeegto balse cadaadis badan la qanciyaa Deetana lagu yiraahdaa “ninkaan ayaa ku kaxaynayo isagaa lacag leh maxaadku faleeysaa mid aan beerikiisa beer’uwehelinin oo jooga meeshaan dhibka badan waa afrikee?” waxaaba laga yaabaa inay sidaa ku qanacdo islamarkaasna ayba ilaawdaa jeceylkeedi ay inbadan wadda socdeen ama ay ballan lahaayeen, waayo waxaa timid mid dibada laga soo xawilay.

mar aan la kulmay qaar badan oo qiso noocan oo kale qabsatay yaa inta badan ii sheegen in ay ku dhamaadeen guuldaro taas oo ay sabab u tahay fikradaan laso xawilay ama aan iraahdee guurka xawilaadda ah. kaas oo dhalinyaro badan u geestay dhaawac halka qaarna qoysas badana u kala fogaadeen.

Bicycle station at Bosnia market in IFO camp. (photo by Molka)

SUDANESE REFUGEES CELEBERATE THE OUTCOME OF THE SOUTH SUDAN RESULTS IN DADAAB C AMPS.

Continued from pg. 1

“We now have an

identity and a place to call

home”

The source of America’s new work force

6 The Refugee Issue No.3

start from and my children are suffering” says Osman Aden, an Albino who arrived recently.

After registration by UNHCR, new arrivals are advised to look for relatives with whom they can live. With no immediate support they begin to taste what it means to be A REFU-GEE? Some are forced to stay in make shifts at the outcast of the camp while others des-perately hang under trees. The struggle for shelter, water and food in the congested camps of Dadaab is a real marathon for refugees. However, the Albinos are always left behind due to the isolation and discrimination they receive from the community. No relative welcomes them in fear of being “infected” by the “disease” as they refer to the condition of Albi-nism. “Some even think that we are cannibals” says Osman.

For Muhubo Abdiaziz, a mother of two girls between the age of two and five years with the albinism, the issue is more than just discrimina-tion. “My daughters are stoned on sight. I always keep them indoors” says Muhubo remorsefully. “It is even worse when they are admitted in the main hospital. All patients demand for our isola-tion.” She adds.

Hassan Abdullahi, 11 years old with Albinism, cannot go to school due to the high level of stigma he is subjected to. “They call him names and question his race weather he is a real Somali or a white boy?” says his mother. This happens daily within the neighborhood where hassan

resides. His parents are afraid of losing their son if they take him to school.

One of the most challeng-ing factors the Albinos face in the camps is the hot scorching sun that is known for Dadaab region. Temperatures in the camps are mostly between 30-40 degrees Celsius with the extremes experienced during drought seasons. Their skin changed from already white to reddish dark spots. “I better go back to Somalia than stay-ing here only to wait for the

death of my second child” says Dahabo, a mother of a 3 year old daughter with albinism. She too lost her son who was 5 years old in Hagadera camp.

Despite all these challenges, humanitarian agencies in Dadaab do their best to support refugees with their basic human rights and other necessary requirements. However, this is not true according to these vulnerable people who would rather receive special attention. Muhubo, Hassan’s mother almost refused to talk to “The Refugee” newsletter arguing that she was tired of filling forms and listening to empty promises. After explaining to her about the newsletter this is what she had to say “Some of them (Aid agen-cies) came claiming to save my child while some say they are for the disables whereas UNHCR con-cludes that resettlement is the durable solution; each filled its own form but all in vain!” “Three years have gone now and none of them came with durable solution” she added.

Refugees living with Albinism in Dadaab Refugee Camp

Continued from page 1

By: Khalif HassanOmaha, NE

I have been behind the wheel for six straight hours when I pulled the old Chevy into the convenient store off highway 80 East. I hurriedly made for the restroom and did my business. On the way out, I made two big cups of hot French Vanilla, grabbed some salted peanuts and a candy bar and brought it to the counter. There were two people behind the counter: a woman- an old blonde with tobacco-stained teeth and a man- tall, dark skinned with coarse hair. “Six dollars and sixty two cents”, she said. I gave her a ten-dollar bill and shouted something about a tip and left the store. As I fueled my car, the young man came out and started a chat with my friend. From the way he spoke, I gathered he was African and it wasn’t till he b’ed his Ps that I sensed he was Somali. Seconds later we were hugging each other and asking numerous questions in Somali. He told me that he was a college student in a city not far from North Platte and that he was helping out the family of his roommate. Back on the highway, Raniya wondered what a black kid was doing in rural Nebraska of all places. “The generosity of Somalis,” I bragged.

Two weeks later, I took a new refugee family to the clinic. The nurse called out the names and we were ushered into a huge room full of medical paraphernalia. She asked numerous questions but the ones that were difficult for me to translate were the color of their pee and the frequency of

the women’s cycle. Not that I did not know how to translate but I was shy. I breathed a sigh of relief when she left. Fifteen minutes later, the door opened and a huge man walked in. Or rather flooded in. He was so big and tall that he had to enter the room sideways while bending at the same time. He introduced himself as Dr. Kiir and sat down with a thud on the chair. From the way the chair creaked, one would have assumed an earthquake rattled it. His waistline alone could have easily matched my paltry 175 pounds but beneath all the flesh lay an intelligent, caring personality. A native of Sudan who spent 8 years in Dadaab before he moved to United States, Dr. Kiir was a respected man in the medical circles. He attended to all the kids and gave me his business card. “Call me if they need any helf”, he said proudly. I knew he meant help.

On a wet, wintry day last November, I watched as suitcases were loaded into the trunks of yellow cabs. We had just landed at Kansas City International Airport and the wait for my friend was wearing me down. Of the cab drivers who were selling services, more than half were waryaas. I could tell from their demeanor. The youngest of them all looked very familiar. Later, on our way home it dawned on me that I knew him from Ifo’s famous Jiiro Xaraaro. Not that I frequented the place but whenever my dad sent me to get a marduuf for him from the woman he patronized, the young lad was always there.

All over North America, the people of Dadaab are making an impact. From the beef plant in Lexington

to the hallowed halls of Harvard and from the receipt counters at La Guardia to the wide seas of Alaska. There is no product sold at places like Walmart that hasn’t been touched by Dadaab. The chicken nugget smells of Hagadera, the Alaskan fish has a “Dagahaley” feel to it and the birthday cards have an Ifo touch in them.

There is no debate as to the sturdiness and sheer determination of the people of Dadaab. The tenacity with which they approach their new environment in America speaks volumes. When I took kids from my high school to a tour of Creighton University last year, half of the students at the English as Second Language class were refugee women. They spoke of their determination to speak the white man’s mouth before enrolling at the nursing school.

There is a school of thought that holds that the future of Dadaab lies not with the agencies and aid from the “fatigued” nations that serve the refugees but with the young men and women straddling the great cities of America. If they measure up to the hopes and aspirations attached to them, there might as well be a new dawn in Dadaab. One that frees its inhabitants from the shackles of poverty, degradation, warehousing, parasitism and confinement. If you want to know how, the answer lies in their role of bringing peace to Somalia.

Got a comment, email the writer at khalifkey@gmail.com

Dadaab:

TAQWA COSMETICS CENTRE

TAQWA COSMETICS CENTRE WUXU KUYAALAA WADADA SIGALE STREET, SUUQA BOSNIA EE XIRADA IFO.

WAXAAD KAHELEYSAA DHAMAAN KAREEMADA IYO BARAFUUNADA LAISKU CARFIYO NOOC WALBA AAD

DOONEYSID. KUWA CARUURTA ,RAGGA, HAWEENKA, DUQAYDA IYO DHALINYARADA.KAWAAYIMEYSIDE YEY KAA

DHAMANIN, HADEY DHACDANA WAXAA KUU DIYAARA DALABAAD DAG DAG AH OO ADD KUHELEYSID MUDO 48

SAACADOD GUDOHOODA.

WAXAA HALKAA KUGU DIYAARA SHAQAALO IYO DHAQATIIR KUU SHAREXEYSA ISTICMAALKA SHEY WALBO AAD GADATID.

HADABA ORODOO GAAR TAQWA COSMETICS CENTRE

FADLAN KALA SOO XIRIIR CIWANKA HOOS KUXUSANCONTACT: A.LAHI NOOR DIRIYE (ADEN SIGALE)

TEL: 0724757126 OR 0726450638

“Good evening my good people. Hope you had a lovely week; welcome to Art and Music wherever you are watching us from. Today we have a lot of new things for you, so relax and enjoy. Welcome….” These are probably the words you will hear from Simon Lokwang Paul, as he welcomes you to his Friday evening television show.

Simon Lokwang Paul aka “Bingo” is just one of the millions of Sudanese who were once refugees and have been repatriated back to Southern Sudan. In a world where most displaced people feel worthless and unimportant, “Bingo” is a living example of a former refugee who didn’t give up. He strived to make his struggle count and his perseverance eventually paid off as he is currently a television producer, editor and presenter. He produces his own TV program called “Art and Music,” that airs every Friday from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Southern Sudan Television (SSTV).

In 1998, 13-year-old “Bingo” came to Kenya as a result of the civil war in Sudan, where he was born. He arrived in Kakuma refugee camp as a refugee, accompanied by his uncle. His mother had remained in Southern Sudan as she had little children and a baby, while his father and step-mother stayed in Uganda as refugees. An ambitious young boy, “Bingo” joined Unity Primary School in Kakuma refugee camp, completing his primary education in 2003. In 2004, he joined Bor Town senior secondary school, also in Kakuma refugee camp, where he did the Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education [KCSE] examinations.

While in primary school, “Bingo” attended FilmAid’s outdoor evening screenings, which sparked in him not only an insatiable appetite for films but also an interest in filming. He wondered how a person could be involved in, and be seen on TV. It wasn’t until he completed secondary school that

he learnt about Participatory Video Project (PVP), a FilmAid program that empowers the youth with knowledge on film making. He joined the program in 2005 and in 2008, Filmaid hired him as a Participatory Video Project facilitator; a position given to select youth who have mastered the techniques of film making, so that they can teach other PVP members.

What happened next was “more like a miracle,” “Bingo” says. A couple of journalists from Germany was creating a documentary around East Africa. During their time in Kakuma, they asked him to assist in their production. These journalists soon realized that he was quite adept at operating the camera and video editing. Upon further discussions with him, they realized that besides the training from Filmaid’s PVP program, he did not have any formal training in production. After a

few months, they offered to sponsor him to attend the East African School of Media Studies, a Nairobi college specializing in TV and video production.

Just a few weeks into college, “Bingo” was

already the best and most active student in his class, making the lecturers very curious to know more about him. When he discussed his experience with FilmAid’s PVP in Kakuma, his lecturer explained to him that he was way ahead of his class and advised him to skip the first year class and move on straight to the second year class.

In June 2009, Bingo graduated with a diploma in television and video production as one of the top students of his class. In July of the same year, he repatriated to Southern Sudan. Two months later he was offered, and accepted a job with SSTV, the state owned television station. He currently produces and hosts his own music television show called “Art and Music” on the station.

Bingo encourages all refugees not to give up. “You are a refugee by condition.

Accept that you are a refugee, but know that it is not permanent. Keep hope and know that one day, one time you will go back to your country,” he said in his message to refugees. He continued by to encourage refugees to take whatever opportunities come their way, however small by saying “when small chances come, take them seriously because you never know what opportunities it might bring you in future.”

Bingo is just one of about 100 refugees that have gained skills in film making through FilmAid’s Participatory Video Project. For more information on this program, visit FilmAid’s website at www.filmaid.org

REFUGEE OF THE MONTH MY OPINION, MY SAY

Former refugee, Now an Accomplished Journalist in his home country

BINGO’S STORY:

“You are a refugee by condition.

Accept that you are a

refugee, but know that

it is notpermanent.

’’

The Refugee Issue No.3 7

Sudanese refugees in Dadaab camps of Kenya have overwhelmingly celebrated the announcements of the results of southern Sudan referendum which was released on 14 February, 2011. They all voted unanimously for separation early January this year.

The results come at a time when Sudanese refugees in Dadaab are facing major chal-lenges in terms of food, security and shel-ter. Hundreds of them are currently residing in makeshift tents in a transit at IFO camp. They were evacuated from Hagadera camp after conflict erupted between them and the majority Somali community who allegedly accused them of murdering a small boy in July last year. Like most refugees in Dadaab, hope for going back to their home of origin was just a dream. However, the recent referendum paved the way for a potential struggle for independence. Resettlement to a third country was the only option but today the focus is different. “We now have an identity and a place to call home” says Akaeu, a Sudanese youth leader in Ifo.

Following the days when the results were being announced, the Sudanese community has organized a very colorful event/feast to celebrate the outcome of the referendum in which they have chosen to stand as an independent country. The event was graced by agency representatives and community leaders from the diverse ethnic backgrounds living in Ifo camp.

“We are very much excited to celebrate with you today, we lost hope and always dream of America but today we are feeling that there is an ultimate alternative” says Mama Isnino, the overall chairlady of Ifo camp.

They said almost 99% of southern Sudanese voted in favor of secession. However, the official declaration for independence will be announced on July this year. Besides that, there is a long way to go before the new born country stands its own feet.

Announcing the final results is not the end of the process. High profile issues including resources like oil, land demarcation, citizen-ship, legal matters and the disputed border region of Abyei need to be negotiated.

These celebrations and feasts by the Suda-nese communities dwelling in Dadaab have moved the minds of many refugees dwelling in the camps. “The sense of going back to my own country filled my heart” says Haleste, a Somali youth who was invited to attend the event.

With respect to the difference in their culture and religion, the Sudanese community never feasted with the Somali communities who make up to 97% of the population in Dadaab camps. However, the announcement of the results of the referendum and the celebration thereafter served as a bond that united these divergent communities. “We are happy to be with you today but I would like to warn you against tribalism lest your future be ruined.” Says Musilla leader who was also among the guest invited.

Simon Lokwang Paul is a former Sudanese refugee from Kakuma. He was involved in a filmmaking project with FilmAid international and after returning to his home country,

he has since joined Southern Sudan Television as a Journalist.

Filmaid Participatory Video Project (PVP) is a filmmaking program for refugee youth in Dadaab and one of the main objective of this newsletter is to help them improve on their writing and reporting skills and which will see an

improved capacity in term of writing for film as well.www.filmaid.org, www.filmaid.blogspot.com

GIVE IT TO ME!

Abdi Abdullahi is a refugee from

Somalia who currently resides in

Ifo Camp.

By Abdi Abdullahi

8 The Refugee Issue No.3

With nostalgia I remember my childhood days: I had a burning curiosity for everything. I enjoyed the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean and felt its breeze and inquisitively looked up to the blue flag flapping above me. The good moments, moments of happiness, moments of freedom, moments I never thought will disappear. I strongly remember my mother having a fine figure and strong dignified appearance. I still picture the chocolate faces of my siblings-- my sister and by brother, whom I always treasured the many moments of pleasure we spent together.  But after learning all these adventure of the enticing world, after I felt the freedom, everything drastically changed unexpectedly. Everything changed to the worst, it changed to what my young mind could not figure out and indeed could not think of.It was really my ugliest tragedy with a blend of harrowing experiences. It was a tragedy that has taken away all my beloved family except my two young sisters. It drained all the blood of my father out, and also reduced the beautiful bodies of my mother and siblings into a charcoal and turned them sooty and unidentifiable. It was really a tragedy, a dreadful tragedy that is imprinted in my mind. And within just a month, my beautiful world in Kismayu swiftly changed. It was my first time to hear a refugee and see a refugee camp. It brought about many challenges; amongst them security. I hated, hated and hated. There was no sea, no fish, no games and the Blue Flag was no longer there, all that remained was only a narrow tent that extremely heated

up during the day and get very cold at night when bandits could creep into.Sharifo, my younger sister fell prey to

the cruel bandits and died as a result of the rape complications. It was more distressing and I only remained with Abshiro as the only sister on earth-- the youngest of all. This made me hate life, hate the whole world and hate existence

at all. Many were the times I asked myself where I belonged but remained unanswered. I realized I was lost and never belonged anywhere. I realized that I had nothing that could give me my identity and a sense of belonging.But luckily after sometimes I was one of the few families who were granted resettlement opportunities as in 1991 protection cases. I met all resettlement requirements and was clearly approved. This gave me a glimmer of hope. I thought I had a foreseeable future and got a true identity.

Immediately, the American Embassy imposed a DNA test-- a test on the deoxyribonucleic acid which is the basic constituent of the gene to check if families were truly related.So the Embassy told me, Abshiro was not my biological sister using the DNA test result as justifications and took her to America leaving me behind alone. What have I done? Is this my mistake? Am I a parent to justify that? These are my day and night questions…

Currently I feel I am abandoned and lost in between nowhere, since I am unable to unravel the full mystery of my identity, but a chance! A chance! A chance will give it to me!!!

REFUGEETHE

THE SOMALI DREAM

The youth of Somali, the future of the nation, I am dedicating this article to you. Remember the era when stories about independence were still fresh; when feelings of Somali nationalism were stronger than clan loyalty; when we sang for a dreamland called Greater Somalia; an era when the blue Somali flag with the five-cornered white star in the middle symbolized a home for all Somalis in the Horn of African region. Youth of my people, I want you to look around and take a good stock of your bearings. I am sure what you see is ugly and depressing. It must not be only ridiculous but simply absolutely that you cry under the heavy load of “Tollaayey” (MOANING) culture in the 21st century when youth of your age elsewhere are changing the world beyond our recognition and for the better.Youth of my people, as you can see the world as your fathers knew it has changed; technological explosions of volcanic proportions have created new realities, new cultures and new societies. Anyone who denies swimming with the flow or sits on the sidelines will be either crushed by the waves or left to rot on the banks. The pastoral life of your forefathers that was based on herding livestock, small subsistence farming and a primitive culture of small groups of family bloodlines huddling together against perceived enemies is no more sustainable; and may soon disappear as the urbanization advances consuming all available land for modernized agriculture and industrialization while climate change takes its toll as well.Youth of my country, you can start your enlightenment revolution by proclaiming 2011 as the year of the Somali Youth new beginning; a year that you walk out from the cloak of tribalism to the light of civility and modernization; a year that you see your fellow Somalis as your family members and not your enemies and other people everywhere as your brothers in humanity that you share with them one endangered earth and not as infidels that deserve to burn in hell. You should start your new beginning from yourself. Only when you liberate yourself from the authority of the alarmed medieval ideologies and tribalism and you build ahead with your future shoulder to shoulder with the youth of the world, only then you can look yourself in the mirror and say: “Yes, I am free, I am my own man or woman”, and only then you can help others to stand up as well.

Youth of my people, as I conclude this personal appeal which I hope would find its way to your hearts, may I ask you to reflect with me on the words for my beloved youth, let us be a wholehearted and maintain on harmony and cohesion as amongst ourselves, let us be an example just like the 13 Somali youth league (SYL) freedom fights, the change can start from me from you and for all.

The writer is the Hagadera Youth Chairman.

By; Noor Tawane Hilowe

Get more information and news from our blog: therefugeenewspaper.blogspot.com

write to us therefugee.newspaper@gmail.com

It was a tragedy that has taken away all my beloved family except my two young sisters. It drained all the blood of my father out, and also reduced the beautiful bodies of my mother and siblings into a charcoal and turned them sooty and unidentifiable.“ “