AN EVALUATION OF THE DAFI SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC SELF _RELIANCE OF REFUGEE GRADUATION ,A CASE STUDY IN DZALEKA REFUGEE CAMP DOWA

The economic self-reliance of refugee graduates is a critical indicator of the effectiveness and
sustainability of higher education scholarship programs. This study aimed to evaluate the
contribution of the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) scholarship
program to the economic self-reliance of refugee graduates, using Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Dowa
District, Malawi, as a case study. A qualitative research design was employed, and data were
collected through in-depth questionare with DAFI refugee graduates. A total of 12 participants
were interviewed, achieving a 100% response rate. An questionare was used to gather data on
key aspects of economic self-reliance, including employment outcomes, entrepreneurship,
income-generating activities, application of skills and knowledge acquired through the DAFI
program, and post-graduation livelihood challenges.
The findings revealed that the DAFI scholarship program has made a positive contribution to the
economic self-reliance of refugee graduates by enhancing their employability, professional skills,
and confidence. Many graduates reported securing employment or engaging in self-employment
and small business activities as a result of the education and skills gained through the program.
However, the study also identified several social, economic, and institutional challenges that limit
full economic integration, including limited job opportunities, lack of start-up capital, restrictive
labor market policies, and insufficient post-graduation support. The study underscores the
importance of strengthening career guidance, entrepreneurship support, institutional partnerships,
and follow-up mechanisms to enhance the long-term impact of the DAFI scholarship program.
The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, humanitarian agencies, and program
implementers seeking to promote sustainable economic self-reliance among refugee graduates.