Tumaini Festival

About Tumaini Festival

Founded in 2014, Tumaini Festival is a three-day multicultural festival in Dzaleka Refugee Camp. It brings refugees and host communities together for performances, cultural exchange and trading.

Core Components

Festival Activities

• Arts and cultural performances
• Traditional craft markets
• Food and beverage vendors
• Live music and poetry
• International artist collaborations

Economic Empowerment

• Entrepreneurship training for women and youth
• Financial literacy programs
• Market spaces for craftspeople
• Employment opportunities in:
  • Carpentry
  • Construction
  • Tailoring
  • Tour guiding
  • Security
  • Event management
  • Sound and lighting

Cultural Exchange

• Homestay program with refugee families
• Cross-cultural performances
• Traditional art exhibitions
• Community engagement activities
• Awareness raising

Impact and Achievement

Festival Growth

• Over 50,000 visitors in 2019
• International artist participation
• Growing economic activity
• Enhanced community integration

Community Benefits

• Income generation opportunities
• Skills development
• Cultural preservation
• Prejudice reduction
• Enhanced social cohesion

Innovation Approach

The project addresses refugee isolation and economic challenges through:

• Cultural celebration and exchange
• Entrepreneurship development
• Community integration
• Sustainable income generation
• Positive narrative building

Recognition

Founded by Trésor Nzengu Mpauni (Menes la Plume), the initiative has received international recognition including:

• 2020 Sharjah International Award for Refugee Advocacy & Support
• 2018 World Bank Africa Region’s Social Inclusion Hero Award
• 2019 Global Refugee Forum Co-sponsorship