Through crayon, children in south Malawi refugee camp speak out

The last few months of post-election violence in Mozambique forced thousands of families to flee across the border to the south of Malawi, mostly to Nsanje District. Among the most affected are children, as seen in Nyamithuthu Camp, located about 200 kilometers away from Malawi’s commercial capital - Blantyre.

Thousands of people are found in the tightly packed camp, sweltering in the intense heat - both in tents, or sitting under the scorching sun, a common attribute for Nsanje District. Feelings in the camp are mixed due to the uncertainty the displaced people are facing in a new environment, however, the smiles on the faces of the children diffuse the despair.

Excited voices of children echo throughout the tents. This is a children’s corner at the camp where seven-year-old Davido and nine-year-old Loyce are finding solace in the colours of their drawings.

Davido and Loyce are facing similar issues to that of over 2,600 children who have been dwelling in   Nyamithuthu camp since 12th January 2025. They fled Mozambique after their lives were destabilized by post-election violence.  

Their arrival at the Nyamithuthu refugee camp in Nsanje, a temporary home to over 7,000 displaced individuals and families, signaled a new lease of life. UNICEF, in collaboration with UNHCR and other partners such as Save the Children, established a children’s corner to provide support and a semblance of normalcy for the young ones. The children’s corner became a haven, allowing children to share their experiences in a nurturing environment, supporting their well-being amidst this emergency situation. 

As part of the activities in the children’s corner, children were encouraged to express their feelings through art. Davido and Loyce picked up crayons and paper, pouring their hearts and souls into their drawings.

EXPRESSIVE ARTS: DAVIDO AND LOYCE DISPLAY THEIR ESCAPE NARRATIVE THROUGH DRAWINGS

“I drew my family in a car. I miss my home, but I am happy to be with friends here,” said Davido.

Loyce added that, “I drew a girl with a suitcase because we had to leave everything behind. I hope we can go back someday.”

When they shared their artwork, Davido depicted a scene of his family fleeing in a vehicle while Loyce illustrated a girl holding a suitcase, symbolizing their journey. Their drawings not only provided an outlet for their emotions but also helped them connect with other children facing similar hardships.

UNICEF Malawi Emergency Specialist Estere Tsoka emphasized that the importance of these creative spaces to foster healing, allowing children to process their trauma through play and expression.

“The stories of Davido and Loyce are not just tales of survival, but also of courage and creativity. As they continue to heal, their artwork serves as a powerful reminder that every child deserves a safe space to express themselves and dream of a better tomorrow,” observed Tsoka.

UNICEF, with support from United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Japan and Canada, is working hand in hand with various partners to support the Malawi Government in its response mission.

“Interventions include the provision of water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, child protection center, nutrition screening items, recreational accessories and health supplies. We strive to ensure every child thrives,” said Tsoka.

Nsanje District Commissioner Dominic Mwandira applauded the collaborative efforts in the response so far.

“We are grateful for the support rendered by the FCDO, UNICEF and other partners. We are making a difference in the lives of these vulnerable children. Through the collaborative efforts, the camp stands as a testament to resilience, community, and the unwavering spirit of children,” he said.

The CBCC has become a cornerstone of resilience for the children in Nyamithuthu. Through art, children find a way to navigate their pain and rebuild their spirits.