Umodzi Katubza Primary School

Site Description

Umodzi Katubza Primary School is a vital educational institution situated in the heart of Dzaleka Refugee Camp. Managed by the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malawi with support from UNHCR, the school provides a safe and inclusive learning environment for both forcibly displaced children and those from the surrounding host community.

The school is known for its distinctive brick classroom blocks and its commitment to integrating modern technology and sustainable practices. Through projects like Connect My Schools by UNICEF, the school has been equipped with solar power systems and laptops, helping bridge the digital divide for refugee learners.

Statement of Significance

Education serves as a critical pillar of protection in refugee settings. Umodzi Katubza is significant not just for its academic role, but for the counselling and psychosocial support it integrates into the daily lives of children who have experienced the trauma of displacement.

The school also serves as a model for community integration and sustainable development. It frequently hosts educational field trips to local permaculture farms, teaching students about food security and environmental stewardship in a camp setting.

History & Background

• 2003: The school became fully operational under the management of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), which took over educational oversight in the camp.
• 2006: Recognized as one of the top-performing schools in the district, with refugee students consistently outperforming local schools in national primary exams.
• August 14, 2013: Formal handover of three new junior classroom blocks funded by the Government of Japan (USD 89,176) to manage the rapidly growing population.
• 2019: Equipped with solar power and tablets through UNICEF’s Connect My Schools project, establishing the campus as a hub for digital learning in Dzaleka.

Community & Sustainable Learning

The school has a long history of integrating sustainable agriculture into its curriculum. Through partnerships with SCOPE Malawi and Tikondwe Freedom Gardens, students learn permaculture and food security principles directly on the school grounds.

Notable Figures

• Augustine Chipula: A visionary headmaster during the mid-2000s who is credited with establishing the school’s reputation for academic excellence and discipline.

Location and Infrastructure

The school is centrally located within the camp to ensure accessibility for children from various zones. The infrastructure includes:

• Multiple brick classroom blocks for junior and senior levels.
• Solar energy installations and digital learning labs.
• Permaculture gardens and onsite sanitation facilities.

Partnership & Support

The school’s success is a collaborative effort between:

• Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Malawi (Management and Counselling)
• UNHCR (Strategic Support)
• UNICEF (Digital Learning and Power)
• Government of Japan (Infrastructure)
• SCOPE Malawi (Environmental Education)