"I want to become a minister, Minister of Darfur," declared Farihalh, a young Darfuri refugee in Djabal camp.

Farihalh who is 16, is like many Darfuri children whose greatest hope is to one day return to their homes and rebuild their country. Like most of her classmates, she stopped going to school in her village in Darfur when it became too dangerous and she and her family fled Sudan. Now she hopes to attend classes in Djabal, one of 12 Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad. Five years of conflict has destroyed much of Darfur, but its people remain determined to build a peaceful Sudan. It is vital that just because people like Farihalh have become refugees, they don't lose access to education. Education will equip Darfuri students with skills that will enable them to become doctors, teachers, business owners, and leaders in their communities, and help them tackle the hard work of rebuilding once peace comes.

Education is Key

Education is every child's basic right. For Darfuris, education is essential to restore hope and dignity to people driven from their homes, and to help them shape a brighter future. Life in the refugee camps is hard, with people often living in tents with only the most basic supplies. There is little in the way of work or jobs for the refugees, and many of their most cherished belongings were left in Sudan when they fled. As a result of the conflict and the living conditions in a refugee camp, the children in Darfuri refugee camps face difficult challenges. Young girls like Farihalh are often forced to drop out of school to help care for their families. Boys and young men are often recruited by armed groups fighting in the area.

Schools in the Darfuri refugee camps provide a safe and protective environment for children. Since 2004, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) has been working to provide Darfuri refugees with a quality education. However, their resources are very limited, and attendance in the schools is inconsistent. While enrollment is high and children want to go to school, a shortage of qualified teachers, poorly built school buildings, and lack of supplies make it difficult to give the children a good education.

How does the Sister Schools Program help?

We have an opportunity to help change the circumstances of Darfuri refugee children, and ensure that they can learn, go on to higher education, and be active participants in healthier, happier and better cared for families. As part of the program, you and your classmates can make contributions to a sister schools registry. These contributions will pay for textbooks, teacher training, construction of school buildings and other resources needed at the schools.

In addition to providing essential materials such as books and school supplies, you will have the opportunity to interact with refugee students, share your stories, and learn more about each other's lives through video blogging and letter exchanges. You will not only be helping the Darfuri refugee children obtain a better education, but will also create connections and build long-lasting relationships with them. Take action now and join the Sister Schools program.