Umoja People with Disabilities

10/09/2025

Umoja Secondary School

A Foundation for Inclusion and Excellence
In the heart of this fertile land rises a school unlike any other. Umoja Secondary School is not just building walls, however, a shaping of the future where every student, regardless of their background and physical appearance, finds their rightful place. Thoughtfully designed architecture, accessible sanitation facilities, fresh air from trees around and a peaceful environment reflect a deep commitment to inclusion, dignity, and the right to quality education.

Visit us at umojaupd.org

08/09/2025

04/09/2025

Umoja Secondary School Teachers' Meeting

This was the first meeting bringing together all secondary school teachers at Umoja.
The goal was to lay the foundation for a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where every individual feels welcome and respected.
Together, we identified key priorities for the academic year, focusing on the structure of the educational system and the pedagogical approach we aim to adopt collectively.

Visit us at umojaupd.org

19/08/2025

Umoja School Building

Umoja People With Disabilities has finally opened a secondary school known as “Umoja Secondary School”, a learning space built for inclusion, dignity, and accessibility. Every ramp, doorway, and architectural detail is designed to ensure comfort and mobility for persons with disabilities. The school adheres to Malawi’s national education standards while embodying a vision where every child, regardless of background, can learn in a safe and adapted environment. Gratitude to all the visible and invisible hands making this dream a reality.

14/08/2025

Empowering refugee women and young girls with disabilities through ICT skills is not just a noble cause; it’s a transformative initiative that can change lives. With the support of the Hilden Charitable Fund (HCF), we are set to train 80 individuals who will directly benefit from this funding. This program aims to equip them with essential digital skills, opening doors to freelancing opportunities that can lead to financial independence.

Imagine the impact of providing these talented women and girls with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy. By enhancing their ICT capabilities, we are not only helping them gain confidence but also enabling them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and families. The potential for growth is immense, as they will learn how to navigate online platforms, manage projects, and market their services effectively.

Investing in the training of these 80 refugee women and young girls is an investment in a brighter future, one where they can break free from cycles of poverty and dependence. Together, we can transform lives by equipping them with the skills needed for success in an increasingly digital world.

(UPD)

07/08/2025

The Heart as Our Only Partner

“No partner. No excuses. Just purpose.”
On August 4th, UPD visited four villages near Dzaleka Refugee Camp, reaching 20 resilient individuals living with disabilities. No sponsors, just solidarity. We shared food, kindness, and connection, proving that even quiet missions can echo loudly. A powerful testimony is now live on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOl7NnpDl6M and TikTok https://www.tiktok.com//video/7538006554239388984?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc . Their voice says more than we ever could.

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31/07/2025

Inclusive Access to Health Services for Refugees with Disabilities in Malawi

This week, Umoja People with Disabilities (UPD) proudly hosted a Capacity Building workshop in Project Evaluation and Monitoring. This transformative activity is part of the Inclusive Access to Health Services for Refugees with Disabilities in Malawi project.
The session empowered UPD directors and project implementers to more effectively assess and track the impact of their community-driven initiatives and projects.
Through practical tools and strategic dialogue, participants deepened their skills in evaluating outcomes, documenting progress, and ensuring that every action taken continues to uphold dignity, accessibility, and real change for persons with disabilities, especially within refugee communities.
This workshop was not just about technique; it was about affirming the agency of those often excluded and strengthening our collective resolve to build systems that truly serve all.
Together, we move forward.

16/07/2025

UPD Distribution

On July 11, 2025, Umoja People with Disabilities (UPD) conducted a distribution of essential supplies (soap, cereals, maize flour, salt and oil) to 200 people, among them 10 elderly and 190 individuals living with different forms of disabilities in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Malawi and in the host community .
This initiative was fully self-funded, with no external sponsorship , a clear demonstration of commitment over conveniences. Beginning to answer the challenge of food since Malawi, this year did not harvest that there is a heavy starvation embracing Malawi
Today, we’re calling on everyone who believes in equity and human dignity:
To support us with a donations
To share our work
To engage with our mission
Social justice begins with action.


Dzaleka Online

10/07/2025

Empowering facilitators in Transformative and inclusive Education!

On July 7, 2025, the facilitators’ team and the centre management board of Umoja English and Computer training center came together for a vibrant and impactful training session. With the goal of growing ,to share experiences, and strengthen skills to deliver impactful and inclusive education that are relevant, and rooted in the community.

The theme of the workshop was : “effective leadership and communication for the transformative and inclusive education at Dzaleka refugee camp”. This aligns with the SDG4 which emphasizes on the quality of education, and as UPD, we render this possible and accessible for all regardless of any form of discrimination or stigma.

At Umoja People with Disabilities “UPD”, we believe that well-equipped facilitators are the foundation of a brighter future for all, and we are always guided by this slogan to not leave anyone behind. Huge thanks to our facilitators and every dedicated participant who showed up with passion and purpose.

03/07/2025

VISIBLE, VULNERABLE…BUT NEVER ALONE

Every human being deserves to live in peace, dignity, and safety. Yet, in our society, people with albinism too often walk in the shadows facing rejection, fear, prejudice, and sometimes violence.
On 1 July 2025, UPD brought together voices, hearts, and truths for a powerful moment of remembrance and reflection. In honor of those who have suffered in silence, this gathering created space to listen deeply, understand lived experiences, and open the door to real, lasting solutions.
What was shared:
Open and respectful conversations
Guidance on living conditions that protect health(skin cancer,etc) and well-being
Legal insights to empower rights and encourage protection
Messages of unity and inclusion to strengthen collective resilience