The children on the camp receiving nourishment before training.At One Person, our work has always been rooted in relationships - one person connecting with another, and communities growing from those connections. One such relationship has led us to the Mda Wetu Athletics Team in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi.
Our friend Alfred, himself a refugee in Dzaleka, is dedicating his life to athletics and to the children and youth he coaches. His team is called Mda Wetu, meaning “Our Time” - a powerful reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, young people deserve hope, purpose, and a chance to dream.
(One Person President, Brenda, first met Alfred in 2015, and the connection has remained part of our wider One Person Project community ever since.)
Why Sports Matter
By taking part in sports in refugee camps, children can begin to rebuild their lives. Many refugee children haven’t had the experience of simply being kids and having fun. Being part of a team, with a shared goal and sense of belonging, helps restore normalcy, builds confidence, and gives youth a renewed sense of purpose.
Community-Led Support
This initiative is being spearheaded by One Person Project member Angela Machuik, who has taken the lead in organizing community support for the running team. Angela’s goal is simple and powerful: to raise just $75 a month so the children have access to food - enough nourishment to give them the strength to train, run, and keep showing up for one another.
The running group already receives regular support from members of our community, including Gary C., Naomi A., and Lori D. Their generosity is helping turn a small monthly goal into real, sustained impact.
In places where food is scarce, even something as simple as a bowl of porridge can make the difference between a child being able to train - or having to sit it out.
Once food needs are reliably covered, Angela hopes to grow this support to include basics like running shoes and simple training tools.
This is what One Person Project is about: one connection, one action, one community at a time - and a group of children being reminded that this is their time.
If you’d like to support the Mda Wetu team, please reach out - every contribution, large or small, truly matters.
Find out more by joining the Okanagan Outreach for Youth Refugee Running Team group on Facebook, or calling in to Replenish Refillery, 9921 Main Street, Summerland.
The team participated in a 5k Run, Walk & Activities Event held by
The Faith in Children organization in Malawai. Look at the joy that achievement
brings - especially if you are living in poverty in a refugee camp.
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