Nyamithuthu Camp in Nsanje is home to thousands of children who have escaped the post-election violence of Mozambique since December.
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 worst affected are children.
Thousands of Mozambicans have taken refuge at the tightly-packed camp, sweltering in the intense heat of the Shire Valley. Some can be seen sheltered in tents or sitting under the scorching sun typical of the district along the Shire River.
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.
Children’s corner
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 now find solace in their colourful 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 destabilised 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 the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and other partners such as Save the Children, established a children’s corner to provide support and a semblance of normalcy for the crowded camp’s youngest occupants.
The children’s corner has become 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 special corner, children are encouraged to express their feelings through art.
Davido and Loyce picked up crayons and paper, pouring their hearts and souls into their drawings.
“I drew my family in a car. I miss my home, but I’m happy to be with friends here,” says Davido.
Loyce adds: “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, symbolising 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 says these creative spaces 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,” she observes.
Making a difference
Unicef, with support from United Kingdom’s Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, US Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, Japan and Canada, is working 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,” says Tsoka.
Nsanje district commissioner Dominic Mwandira says: “We are grateful for the support rendered by 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.”
The special corner 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.
