What is Happening?
Since 2003, the government of Sudan has targeted the people of its province called Darfur. Because it has a great deal of oil and water underneath it, Sudan has wanted greater control over Darfur’s wealth and resources. What makes things so atrocious is that Sudan wants to do away with the non-Arab people in what is known as “ethnic cleansing”, or genocide.
These policies have resulted in the brutal deaths of almost 400,000 people, the rape of thousands of women and young girls, and the displacement of over 2 million Darfurians who now live in refugee camps in the middle of the Sahara desert. The killers are Arab militias nicknamed janjaweed—or “devil on horseback”.
As students we believe that this genocide is a horrible thing and want to do everything we can to help. After the Holocaust the world said “never again…” Now another genocide is happening and we must do our part to stop it.
What We've Done:
In the past month, our committee has tried to raise awareness about the genocide and relief money for its refugees. A Dance for Darfur, tee shirt and wristband sale, Ipod day, and bake sale raised close to $1,300. Feel free to see other pictures of our committee at the following link: Darfur Committee Pictures.
Where Will the Money Go?
Half of this money will go towards the advocacy group SaveDarfur.org, with the other half going towards building schools in the refugee camps through the group called the Muzbat School for Peace. You can find out more about both groups at www.savedarfur.org and www.darfurdiaries.org/?page_id=8 .
Other Projects:
Following the lead of a local group called Buffalo for Africa, our committee attended a rally for Darfur in downtown Buffalo. On the way we dropped off poster letters and petitions at the offices of Senator Schumer, Clinton, and Congressman Higgins. You can learn more about the great things Buffalo for Africa and Frontier High School are doing at www.buffaloforafrica.org. More pictures of the rally can be found at www.thesunnews.net/photogallery.php3?category=Rally%20for%20Darfur.
