Thousands of children living in the refugee and internally displaced persons camps in Darfur have missed several consecutive years of their academic lives because of the intractable conflict.
The Darfuri people revere education. The loss of educational opportunity is a great sorrow to families and communities. Yet thousands of school age children languish beyond the reach of relief efforts.
After assessing regional needs, DPDO initiated the Darfur Schools Program.
In 2005, with support from Darfur Diaries , DPDO began supporting the operation of three elementary schools in North Darfur. DPDO's intimate connection with rural communities enabled access to unserved areas. In 2006, DPDO added two schools, then seven more in 2007. Currently DPDO sponsors 15 Schools of Peace in North Darfur and Chad, educating over 7,500 children. View enrollment statistics.
The Darfur Schools Program
¤ Pays the salaries of a local school administrator, 160 teachers and 56 support staff;
¤ Facilitates the delivery of textbooks and supplies to the schools;
¤ Works with the World Food Program (WFP) to coordinate the delivery of food staples for breakfast feeding programs;
¤ Provides funds to ensure the provision of clean water for all students.
Presently, DPDO is the only organization paying salaries for school principals, teachers and support staff in North Darfur.
As the program grows, DPDO works to ensure that each school receives uninterrupted basic support as well as expanded services.
The program development goals for the 2008 school year, listed below, are based on discussions with teachers and principals at each school.
Many displaced rural students have no educational opportunities beyond 8th grade. To meet this pressing need, DPDO is constructing a high school in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur. See details.
To join in support of the Darfur Schools Program,
Donations by check may be mailed to:
Darfur Peace and Development
P.O. Box 90
Washington DC 20044
Press Play button to view video tour of Darfur Schools of Peace
Making it Happen
Student organizations, civic groups and faith-based communities across the United States have been the driving force behind the Darfur Schools Program. Current donors include:
¤Arcadia High School
¤Brandeis University
¤Carlton College
¤Child Shelter International
¤Covenant of the Sacred Heart
¤Desert Vista High School
¤George Washington University STAND
¤Glenbrook South High School STAND
¤Janney Elementary School
¤La Salle College High School
¤Los Gatos High School
¤Marin Country Day School
¤Mimi and Peter Haas Fund
¤Mira Costa High School
¤Oak River Forest High School
¤Potomac School
¤Paul D. Schreiber High School
¤Polytechnic High School
¤Temple Emanuel
¤Towson University
¤Unitarian Universalist Church
¤Vassar College
¤Williams College
¤Yale University Freshmen Class
See complete list at Supporters page.
