African Youth Artistic Poetry - AYAP

About African Youth Artistic Poetry - AYAP

African Youth Artistic Poetry (AYAP) is a collective based in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp, dedicated to empowering young refugees through the art of spoken word poetry. Founded by Congolese refugee Charles Lipanda, who arrived at Dzaleka at the age of 14, AYAP provides a platform for youth to express their experiences and foster resilience amidst the challenges of displacement.

The collective has grown to include over forty members, building a thriving poetry and spoken word community within the camp. Through workshops and performances, AYAP nurtures young creatives, helping them transform personal trauma into powerful artistic expression.

Our Mission

Members like Espoir Kahitani emphasize the transformative power of poetry, stating, “Poetry came into my life like a breath when I was suffocating.” This sentiment underscores the role of AYAP in providing a sense of community and empowerment among participants.

In addition to fostering artistic expression, AYAP’s initiatives contribute to the cultural and social fabric of Dzaleka, offering hope and a means of healing through the shared experience of poetry.

Publications

AYAP has published the anthology ‘Being A Refugee Wasn’t A Choice’ by Charles Lipanda Mahigwe, available on Amazon: Purchase the Book

Impact

• Over 40 active members in the poetry collective
• Workshops and performances for artistic development
• Cultural enrichment of the Dzaleka community
• Healing and empowerment through artistic expression
• Community building among young refugees