On 9th June 2018, Kakuma Refugee Camp will come alive- and for a positive reason this time. It will be the location of the first ever TEDx event at a refugee camp. The event will be live-streamed on social media, enabling millions to watch in real time. Thousands of refugees at Dadaab and Kakuma camps will follow the proceedings via big screens.
In contrast to the usual negative stories about refugees, TEDxKakumaCamp tackles a different angle concerning the reality of life as a refugee by focusing on stories of resilience, of contribution and creativity.
The invite-only event will be held at a tent in a school at Kakuma Refugee Camp. Some of the guest speakers include former refugees from the camp, artistes, international experts and high-profile guests, who aim at changing the world’s perception on refugees.
Ms Halima Aden who took the world by storm in 2017 by being the first supermodel to wear a hijab on the runway is one of the guests. Nomzamo Mbatha, a South African actress and model is also another speaker lined up for the event. Other guests include former Kakuma refugee and Olympics athlete Pur Biel, Kenyan artistes Mercy Masika and Octopizzo, Congolese filmmaker Hortence Aminah Rwimo, Turkana governor Josphat Nanok among others.
In line with TED’s belief that empowered refugees can shape a peaceful and tolerant future of our world, the theme of this TEDx is ‘Thrive’. TEDx Kakuma will run from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm EAT.
About TED
TED is a nonprofit devoted to spreading ideas, usually in the form of short, powerful talks. It was founded in 1984 as a conference where Technology, Entertainment and Design converged. Today the talks cover a wide range of topics — from science to business to global issues — in more than 100 languages. Independently run TEDx events help share ideas in communities around the world.
