Hello my dear friends and audience of this community space, happy to meet you again through this our darling and amazing platform. This time around I will be speaking to you on what I title ** Hope in exile: Celebrating World Refugee Day in Cameroon; the Case Study of Minawoa Camp Cameroon.**
° World Refugee Day is an important day to recognize the millions of people who are forced to leave their homes due to conflict, persecution, or other forms of violence. It is a day to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees and to show solidarity with those who have been displaced.
Case Study of Minawoa Refugee camp, Cameroon:
Cameroon on 20th June 2025 joined the global community to celebrate theWorld Refugee Day on the theme: "Solidarity with Refugees". This theme emphasizes the need for meaningful action to support refugees, moving beyond words to demonstrate genuine empathy and inclusion. It highlights the importance of providing refugees with opportunities to rebuild their lives and contribute to their new communities.
° On June 20, the Minawoa Refugee Camp witnessed an outpour of refugees who joined the world to celebrate world Refugee Day, recognizing the strength and resilience of refugees who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution or natural disasters. In Cameroon, the Minawoa Camp in the Far North Region is home to thousands of refugees from neighbouring countries, primarily Nigeria.
√ On world Refugee Day, the camp transforms in to a vibrant celebration of culture, hope and resilience. Refugees from different backgrounds come together to share stories, traditions and aspirations. The air is filled with dance, music, and laughter as they showcase their rich cultural heritage. Infact every refugee has something to do or say that rekindle hope.
✓Here's a story of a young refugee woman from Nigeria; a story of Hope*
A young refugee woman Ashia, aged 25, from Nigeria a neighbouring country to Cameroon, had left her home country with her family due to Boko Haram attacks. Despite the psychological trauma she went through, she found relief in the Minawoa Camp, where she discovered her new found passion for singing, on world Refugee Day. Her Powerful voice echoes through the camp, inspiring others with her song "Hope In Exile". Her story is a testament to the human stories capacity for resilience and hope, even in the face of adversity.
✓ The celebration in the Minawoa Camp:
During the world Refugee Day celebration in the Minawoa Camp, Cameroon; a number of activities featured in order to give the day the importance it deserved:
- Food festival to showcase the diverse culinary tradition.
- Sports tournaments were organized and played in order to promote unity and teamwork.
- Cultural performances, including music, dance, and traditional attire featured.
- There were also art exhibition highlighting refugee artists work.
- And community outreach programs, raising awareness about refugee issues.
What Impact does it Create?
√ The celebration not only brings the refugees together but also; - Raises awareness about refugee issues and promotes empathy.
- Fosters community cohesion and social inclusion.
- Provides a platform for refugees to share their stories.
- Showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of refugees.
During this year's world Refugee Day Celebration, where Cameroon joined the world to celebrate, Cameroon's Minawoa Camp served as a beacon of hope, highlighting the importance of compassion, understanding, and support for refugees. As a matter of fact, the story of Aisha and the camps celebrations demonstrate that even in exile, hope and resilience can thrive.
In Cameroon, UNHCR organized various activities to mark World Refugee Day, including an arts competition titled "community as a superpower", which highlights stories of forgiveness, tolerance and inclusiveness.
Images source: getty, Cameroon News Agency (CNA ).