United by porridge in Malawi

Thatched roofs, orange brick and dusty tracks stretch as far as the eye can see at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.

Today, the overcrowded camp is home to more than 48,000 people from east and southern African countries. That’s four times its intended capacity. Many living in the camp have fled from conflict and endured traumatic journeys to get there.

Children are among those seeking refuge in Dzaleka – forced to find their way in difficult circumstances, far from home, unsure if they will ever return.

But, at a school in nearby Dowa – where many learners are refugees from Dzaleka – the assurance of a daily nutritious meal from Mary’s Meals has been bringing hope to hungry children since 2007.  

Yunus is among those children. Driven by the promise of a nutritious bowl of phala [porridge], he dreams of becoming an engineer and has hope for a brighter future. 

Originally from Somalia, Yunus arrived at Dzaleka camp with his mother and older sister when he was just three years old. He never knew his father who died during conflict in his home country.

He explains: “My mother told me that we travelled by bus from Somalia. She told me that it was not an easy journey. At times we walked long distances to save on transport until we arrived in Malawi.”

He adds: “I enjoy the lessons here at school. I work hard in class and my dream is to become an engineer when I grow up. 

"The provision of phala brings us learners together as a family. As we queue to receive and eat the phala together, we become family. I believe that the family that eats together, stays together.” 

For 20 years, we have been able to reach hungry children in the world’s poorest and most difficult locations because of the kindness and relentless hope of our supporters. With Mary’s Meals, hope conquers fear – even in the most difficult of times.