There are approximately 11,000 elementary school-aged children in Dzaleka Refugee camp, but only about 6,300 (58%) are enrolled in the educational system, largely due to a lack of classroom space. Even with the low percentage of students attending school, class sizes can be more than 150 students to 1 teacher. The dangers of not attending school for children and youth in the camp are real. Continued education from primary to secondary school is proven to decrease child labor, sexual exploitation, and child marriage.

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The Opportunity

You have the opportunity to help construct a school of excellence for refugee and Malawian students.

The Goal

The classroom offers a place of safety, where children and youth build the hope, knowledge, and skills they need to live productive and independent lives. The classroom is also a place where children from different tribes and nations learn to understand their shared humanity and see the dignity in all people. We believe such unity can and will help create a peaceful future in the region. Our goal is to construct classrooms for students from preschool through grade 6 furnished with desks, blackboards, and textbooks to provide a safe and positive environment for learning. We also want to create a secure and beautiful school campus that inspires learning and makes students feel safe and proud to be learning.

The Strategy

Ebenezer Academy is the vision of a group of refugee leaders to address the challenge of education in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. The need is overwhelming, but our refugee partners refuse to give up as they unwaveringly believe this problem is solvable. Our strategy is to get behind their leadership, experience, and the trust they have built in the community as educators.

The Progress

The first phase of construction for Ebenezer Academy is complete. Two classroom blocks, each with three classrooms, are now full of students. The grounds, well, and restrooms are also complete. What remains in the first phase of construction is to complete the security wall. Thanks to many generous gifts, we have already raised $154,000 for this project, which exceeded our original target for the first phase of the construction. However, due to the increased cost of construction materials in the current economic climate, we are still looking to raise another $8,000 to complete the security fence. You can help raise awareness of this need, pray, and give financially to support the educational needs of children in Dzaleka Refugee Camp.

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