Context:

In the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, children have embraced traditional and modern dance as a means to cope with the harsh realities of refugee life amidst significant funding cuts that have reduced food rations to 30% of the recommended levels. The Acholi traditional dance serves as both a cultural connection and a distraction from hunger, helping children like Gladis Amwony maintain ties to their Ugandan roots. Meanwhile, boys in the neighboring Kalobeyei Village are exploring modern dance forms, such as robotic dance, to be featured in performances like World Refugee Day, demonstrating their resilience and talent despite the challenges. The community center, which offers these dance programs and other activities, faces an uncertain future due to reduced donations, leading to fewer resources and staff to engage and protect the children. These activities not only provide entertainment but also shield children from issues such as child labor and abuse, underscoring the need for sustained support to keep these child-friendly spaces operational.

Dive Deeper:

• In the Kakuma camp, where over 300,000 refugees reside, children have turned to dance as a means of survival and cultural expression, particularly through the Acholi traditional dance, which helps them cope with reduced food rations and maintain a connection to their heritage.

• The Acholi people, originating from Uganda and South Sudan, are among the camp's inhabitants, and their traditional dances provide the children with a sense of continuity and joy amid their challenging circumstances.

• One of the dancers, Gladis Amwony, who has lived in Kakuma for eight years, finds solace and a connection to her ancestors through dance, despite having no memory of her life in Uganda, her country of origin.

• In contrast, boys in Kalobeyei Village are engaging with modern dance styles, creating a unique robotic dance performance that they plan to showcase during World Refugee Day, highlighting their adaptability and creativity.

• Funding cuts have severely impacted the camp's operations, reducing the availability of resources and staff, which jeopardizes the continuation of essential programs that keep children engaged and safe from potential dangers like child labor and abuse.

• The community center, managed by the Swiss organization Terre des hommes, previously offered a variety of programs, but now struggles to maintain daily operations due to the lack of financial support, with the prospect of closing if funding does not improve.

• These activities play a crucial role in providing a safe environment for the children, offering them not only a creative outlet but also protection from the harsh realities of refugee life, emphasizing the importance of continuous support for these initiatives.