Perceptions of Aid Organizations in Kakuma Refugee Camp
By Michele James-Deramo, Virginia Tech
Introduction: Uncovering Voice
In the book What is the What? author David Eggers gives voice to Valentino Achak Deng, who escaped violence in his village of Marial Bai and joined the walking boys in a journey from the southern Sudan, to asylum in Ethiopia and Kenya, and eventually to third country resettlement in the United States. The novelized memoir, written as a litany that moves between the challenges of his new life in the United States and the perils of displacement, flight and encampment, serves to also bring the reader into places remote and foreign to Westerners: specifically, the refugee camp. Much of Valentino’s formative years were spent in camps — first at Pinyudo, a makeshift camp along the Gilo River in Ethiopia and later at Kakuma, a UNHCR site where he was officially registered as a refugee. (more…)
Opinion: Being a Refugee in Mind and Life
Being a refugee is not an easy matter; it exerts strong impact on different aspects of life and mental peace. (more…)
Community Talking Point: What do you think of government involvement in camp life?
What do you think of the Kenyan Government involvement in management of the camp, the security situation, decision-making bodies, and refugee feedback mechanisms? (more…)
The Forest Has Changed But The Monkeys Are Still The Same
A LOOK AT THE QUEST OF THE ASYLUM SEEKERS IN KENYA
A contribution opinion piece by John perkin’s (journalist student) asking the question on the efficiency and accountability of the rescuing Agency?
Writing as a non-Kenyan and non-refugee, the author nevertheless offers some thoughts about the process of becoming a refugee in Kenya. (more…)
You Can’t Live Without Sorrow, But You Can Choose to Live a Happy Life
Anyone can feel truly happy in whatever circumstances they may encounter. Though we cannot control our environments or what happens around us, we can control what we choose to think about.
We are Poor Because We are Poor
After considering how common economic reasoning may apply to the African context, the author concludes that Africans suffer not because of poor resources, young histories, colonial legacies, or international interference—but because Africans themselves hold poor attitudes towards development.
The United Nations has Failed the World
The author argues passionately that the United Nations has done nothing for world peace, and may actually subvert its original mandate by tending to the effects of war—including the practice of refugee warehousing, for example.
Intermarriage in Refugee Communities
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
An opinion piece on intermarriages between refugee communities and the “luck of love”
Urban Refugees are a Reality
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
This opinion piece highlights the plight of refugees who live without permission in urban areas, and asks why the Kenyan Government and UNHCR do not adopt policies that reflect this reality.
Short Stories of Child Abuse in Kakuma Communities
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
A personal perspective on child abuse of unaccompanied refugee minors living in Kakuma Camp, written by KANERE’s youngest journalist, a 16-year old refugee boy who is himself an unaccompanied minor.
Refugee Life at an Angle
Volume 1, Issue 4-5 / March-April 2009
An editorial on the life perspective of refugees toward their existence in the camp
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