Tumaini, the country’s sole festival hosted in a refugee camp, has won a global recognition at the 2026 Ockenden International Prizes.
Tumaini Letu, the organisation behind the festival, is one of the five recipients of the 14th annual awards alongside other organisations from Greece, Chad, Ukraine and the United Kingdom.
previous festival. | Nation
Each of the winners has been recognised for their outstanding work in advancing self-reliance among refugees, asylum seekers and displaced people.
In its communication, Ockenden International said Tumaini Letu was recognised for its flagship festival as an annual celebration of music, dance and arts that promote dignity, inclusion and opportunity for refugees.
Reads the communication in part: “Judges described the festival as ‘an unapologetic celebration of refugees’ talents and contributions’, noting its uniqueness as a major arts event held inside a refugee camp — a site that was once a prison.
“They praised its ability to integrate the community while creating meaningful economic opportunities.”
Ockenden chairperson Judith Ingham said the awards highlight initiatives that are delivering real impact led by people with lived experiences that are proving crucial to long-term solutions.
“Tens of thousands of refugees and displaced people benefit from the independence these projects promote,” she said.
In a separate interview, Tumaini Festival founder and director Menes La Plume said the recognition is an encouragement and reminder that they are not alone in the mission of improving lives of refugees.
He said: “This is also a reminder that our work matters in the world where there is little humanitarian funding towards refugee-led organisations. It is a reminder not to give up because our efforts are seen and our voices are heard.
“This recognition has boosted our hope that even better opportunities and recognition is on the way.”
La Plume said having successfully hosted the festival for the past 11 years, now their efforts are being directed at making the event financially sustainable by among others, procuring their own stage, sound and light equipment to scale down their budget of hosting the festival.
He said they are also strategising to replicate the festival model in other countries such as Kenya, Uganda and South Africa in the next five years.
The festival founder said Tumaini has helped to put Malawi on the map being the first international festival held within a refugee camp.
Said La Plume: “The impact has been tremendous. Economically, the festival helps the community to generate income of over $250 000 every year. We have seen a lot of businesses thriving because they have managed to make an important amount of money during the festival.
“Culturally, talents have been developed and we have seen hundreds of collaborations between refugees and Malawian artists. Socially, many Malawians have changed their perception towards refugees.”
The Tumaini Festival was founded in 2012 over the years it has established itself as a platform that has helped the integration of refugee communities based at Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa District and Malawians.
The event offers a cocktail of traditional and cultural art and creative displays ranging from music, dance, food and dressing.
The Ockenden Prizes, established in 1951, recognise innovative approaches that empower displaced communities worldwide.
