Realities of Refugee Camps

Refugee camps embody some of the bleakest circumstances, including poor sanitation, limited access to clean food and water; low quality healthcare; diminished education and employment opportunities; overcrowded living conditions, and much more. Many of the refugees come from very harsh backgrounds, some have fled war or persecution, some have escaped violence, some have lost their original homelands. What is constant is the instability and insecurity that refugees experience, as well as lack of resources that could possibly improve their stagnant lives.

When you visit some of these refugee camps, however, and if you sit down with the youth and have conversations with them, you may be surprised at their positive outlook. You see a spark in the eyes of many of them as they talk about a future after they leave the camps. Some would scribble poetry lines or math problems in their worn notebooks, as a sign of unwavering determination to learn. Some would bounce a patched up soccer ball while talking confidently about becoming a professional player one day, representing their people, and “making them proud”. One would ask how can they be so optimistic, in the face of scarcity and an unclear future.

The answer could lie in the small gestures and meaningful acts that lift the spirits of these people. Children may study in makeshift classrooms. The adults may reminisce about past memories and share their current struggles but also stick together during daily challenges. Families often form bonds and create support networks. They celebrate traditions and share meals and even words of encouragement. They sing together, laugh together, and cry together. It is this sense of community that builds the resilience of the refugees and gives them hope for a better future. It is truly remarkable to study the dynamics behind the behavior and attitudes of these people.