Our Stories

Bagalwa Abdul, a refugee from Malawi whose hopes and dreams are expressed through his visual art..

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He encountered many challenges growing up. However, he refused to give up. Despite living with a disability, he continues to work as a carpenter and as a visual artist. Even with his many difficulties, he still dreams of growing his talents and creating a better future for his children.
My Story-Bagalwa Abdul
My name is Bagalwa Abdul. I am a virtual artist, carpenter, painter, and a father of ten children currently living in Dzaleka Refugee Camp since 2022. My life has been full of challenges, pain, and struggle, but I have never stopped fighting to survive and support my family.
I was born healthy without any disability. When I was 12 years old, something unexpected changed my life forever. One night, after going to sleep normally, my mother heard a strange sound coming from my room. When she rushed in, she found me in a serious condition. My legs were completely crossed and stiff, and my body was shaking strongly like someone having epilepsy. I was immediately taken to the hospital.
I spent 1 year and 8 months in the hospital receiving treatment and physiotherapy sessions. Doctors later gave me metal prostheses to help me walk again. Unfortunately, after those prostheses were damaged, my family had no money to replace them. Life became very difficult for me. I experienced discrimination, even from some family members, and sometimes I could spend two weeks without proper support or care.
Because of my condition, I lost the opportunity to continue school. However, I refused to give up. I decided to learn vocational skills and started working as a bicycle transporter for people with disabilities. Through this work, I managed to survive and provide for myself.
In 1998, I got married and was blessed with five children. Later, in 2010, I married a second wife after my first wife left me with all the children because of poverty and the difficult situation we were facing. At that time, many borders where I used to find work and income were closed, making life even harder for my family.
Today, despite living with disabilities in both legs, I continue to work hard. Here in Dzaleka Refugee Camp, I do carpentry work. I can make tables, chairs, beds, and other furniture. I also have skills in drawing, painting, and art. Even with many difficulties, I still dream of growing my talents and creating a better future for my children.
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