Project Summary 

We are currently fundraising for the production of Sawdust, a film about Jacques Kabongo, a Congolese refugee whose life in Dzaleka Refugee Camp changed drastically after graduating from the carpentry vocational training program provided by our grassroots partner There is Hope. This film shows the importance of education and how it makes life within a camp more bearable as well as preparing refugees to economically contribute to their host-country upon resettlement. We are excited about our film’s goal to increase refugee education. Through our impact campaign we are building partnerships with other organizations to strengthen its reach and influence.

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Watch film pitch here

Why is it important?

We seldom hear anything about Malawi and very few people know of its existence. It is one of the poorest countries in the world. Still, because of its stability compared to other countries in Africa, it has become home to thousands of refugees. The Dzaleka refugee camp near the capital Lilongwe is overpopulated with more than 42,000 people living on extreme poverty conditions.

It is of critical importance to tell Jacques’ story to create awareness and increase resources to the needed educational programs at the Dzaleka camp. Jacques’ story is proof that There is Hope’s education makes refugees’ permanence, who in average wait 17 years for resettlement, more bearable and increase their chances to become self-reliant within the camp.