Nearly 3 million people have been forced to flee their homes since 2003 because of the ongoing conflict in the Darfur region of western Sudan. The conflict in Sudan was sparked when rebels from Darfur attacked a government air force base in 2003. For years the rebels have felt ignored by the central government in Khartoum, and feel they have been denied their basic rights. In retaliation for the 2003 attack, Sudan's military and the government-backed militias, the Janjaweed, have repeatedly attacked the residents of Darfur. The Janjaweed and government forces have burned villages, murdered and maimed residents, poisoned wells, raped women, stolen animals and other valuables, and kidnapped children. More than 300,000 Darfuris have been killed in the conflict. Learn More: Facts about Darfur and Sudan.

Most people have moved to camps for the internally displaced within Sudan, but there are more than 271,000 Darfuri refugees currenty living in eastern Chad. In the UNHCR-run camps, refugees receive basic shelter, food, education, and health care. The Darfur Dream Team seeks to assist UNHCR in its efforts to provide a quality education to every Darfuri refugee.

By supporting their education, the Darfur Dream Team has an opportunity to help change the circumstances of Darfuri refugee children, and ensure that they can learn in the camps, go on to higher education, and become contributing members of their communities.

A refugee who remains illiterate and inarticulate will be at a serious disadvantage in defending his or her human rights. Education therefore forms the basis for income-generating activities and self-reliance – all necessary ingredients for successful living. As a whole, education is a means to preserve one’s identity, create self-esteem, be part of the community and generally hope for a better future.