Objectives

1

Build a Darfur soccer team of the best players from the twelve refugee camps in eastern Chad to participate in an international tournament.

2

Share the story of building the team to raise awareness and educate people about the situation in Darfur and the refugee experience.

3

Facilitate ongoing support for education, sports, nutrition, and other services through relationships between refugees and global citizens.

Darfur United - The Project

This project will be a "living documentary," as we share every step of the journey.  The story will be told, day -to-day, through the Darfur United website, Facebook, Twitter, and here on Indiegogo.  We will then produce a documentary film of the entire journey.

The Impact

This project will be a powerful vehicle for worldwide awareness about refugee and internally displaced persons from Darfur, as well as the large-scale humanitarian efforts that are essential for their protection.  It will also offer a great opportunity for global citizens to get involved and support the refugees in their struggle for a better life and future.  Darfur Uniteds journey will highlight the personal stories behind the huge numbers related to the years-long crisis in Darfur.

What We Need

The first phase of this project will involved traveling to Darfuri refugee camps in Eastern Chad (i-ACT has visited these camps 10 times since 2005) and begin the process of forming the team.  The $12,000 will be used towards this trip and for the equipment and online resources needed to tell the story.  It will also cover expenses related to forming a core group of refugee coaches and advisors from the twelve refugee camps.

Other Ways You Can Help

Please share with friends, family, co-workers and any soccer (football) fan you know! Visit our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter!

More

In Darfuri refugee camps, soccer is everyone's favorite game.  Barefoot kids kick balls made from rags while imagining themselves as international stars performing to the roar of a crowd.  Family and friends gather around radios for a chance to listen to a far-away game.  They cheer and jeer their adopted teams and rivals.

Almost 3,000,000 people have been displaced by violence in Darfur since 2003.  Their land is a battle zone, and there is little cause for hope amongst the proud and resilient Darfuri population.  Those living in remote displacement camps - both internally and across the border in Chad - are isolated and often ignored.  Despite witnessing horrific scenes of violence, they continue to encourage the younger generation to be strong in mind and body.  Education and sports combine in their vision of the road to rebuilding a stronger Darfur.

Darfur United - a soccer team composed of the best players from the Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad - will give Darfuris an opportunity they have never had: a chance to cheer for their own.

About i-ACT (iactivism.org)

i-ACT seeks to empower individuals within communities, institutions, and governments to take personal responsibility to act on behalf of those affected by genocide, mass atrocities, and crimes against humanity.

i-ACT is a global team dedicated to putting a face on the numbers of dead, dying, and displaced while creating mutually enriching relationships between those in danger and those willing and able to act, fostering a new culture of participation.

The i-ACT Team has been traveling to the Darfuri refugee camps in Eastern Chad since 2005.