God Grew Tired of Us

Dau dedicates himself to seeking an education in the camp, but it’s a difficult task since he “start[s] the first grade when [he is] 18 years old” (137) and many of the camp’s teachers aren’t qualified to teach their subjects. Dau and the other boys commit to school during the day and study at night. Although the UN improves “the camp’s education program by erecting a huge building” (142) for classes, educational materials like books, pencils, or chalk boards are scarce. As Dau’s studies progress, he notes that it’s a very Kenya-centered curriculum, which forces students from other countries to learn about this foreign land with no opportunity to learn about their own histories.

Although the UN provides food, the refugees must present ration cards when they pick up their food, ensuring that each person gets their portion. However, a person’s food often runs out before they can receive their next batch. The residents call these “black days” because “nobody kindled cooking fires at night, leaving the camp pitch-black” (146). Although the UN provides a safe place for the refugees, as well as education and basic living necessities, prospects for a future are slim. The residents aren’t allowed to leave the camp to venture into Kenya, they aren’t allowed to work, and the Kenyan police in the camp are often corrupt.