Young people everywhere are more alike than different. They want a good education and opportunities for the future. Children in refugee camps who have survived the war in Darfur are no different. They dream of quality education and a chance to help rebuild their lives and homes.

When Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets heard about the massive challenges children from Darfur were facing in the refugee camps in Chad, he decided to see for himself. After spending days listening to the harrowing stories of young Darfuris in the refugee camps and their incredible thirst for a better education, he decided to act. When Tracy and his traveling companions from the Enough Project returned, they hatched the idea for the Darfur Dream Team's Sister Schools program linking American middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities with schools in the Darfuri refugee camps. Tracy's Journey to the refugee camps in eastern Chad is chronicled in the movie 3 Points.

The Darfur Dream Team is a dynamic partnership of organizations and professional basketball players working together on the Sister Schools Program, an initiative to connect American middle schools, high schools, colleges, and universities with sister schools in 12 refugee camps in Chad.

About the Sister Schools Program

There are two main objectives of the Darfur Dream Team's Sister Schools Program. They are: (1) to provide a quality education to every refugee child from Darfur; and, (2) to develop connections between students from Darfur and the United States and promote mutual understanding. Principal partners in the Darfur Dream Team's Sister Schools Program include: USA for UNHCR, Participant Media, The Enough Project, Facing History and Ourselves, the Education Partnership for Children of Conflict, and i-ACT.

Several NBA players have already signed on to this initiative by pledging financial support and/or dedicating time to working directly with U.S. sister schools. Tracy McGrady, Derek Fisher, and Baron Davis are currently recruiting additional players. Early participants include Luol Deng, Jermaine O'Neal, Etan Thomas, and others.

The Sister Schools Program brings together a diverse coalition of students, professional athletes, and international, private, and non-profit organizations to provide Darfuri refugee children with access to quality education. If successful, the sister schools model can be replicated to respond to other humanitarian crises around the world.

How it Works

The active participation of you and your classmates is the only way the Sister Schools Program can be successful. Team up now with your classmates, friends, and families to provide Darfuri refugee youth with access to quality education. Together, you can spread the word about the crisis in Darfur, raise funds, and share your stories. Get Involved Now

With the funds raised, UNHCR and its partner organizations in eastern Chad will build and rehabilitate primary school buildings, and provide students in the refugee camps with school supplies and sports equipment.

How You Can Get Involved

You can easily sign up today and begin participating in the Sister Schools Program. Once you sign up, the Darfur Dream Team will contact you. As a sister school, you will be able to make a lasting connection to Darfuri students by communicating through letters, pictures, care packages,and eventually video blogs. Join us now!