Tracy McGrady’s Darfur Dream Team Raises $600,000 for 12 Schools Serving Refugee Children

This week the Darfur Dream Team's Sister Schools Program marks the first anniversary of its launch with the announcement that the program has succeeded in raising more than $300,000 to support six schools in Djabal refugee camp in eastern Chad. The program has also received another $300,000 in pledges to support six more schools in a second camp.

McGrady, of the New York Knicks, was inspired to travel to the camps in 2007 with Prendergast after speaking about the crisis with NBA legend Dikembe Mutumbo. “After spending time with children in the refugee camps, I was humbled and compelled to share their stories with the world,” said McGrady of the New York Knicks. “I wanted to do something different in order to help them. That is why we created the Darfur Dream Team.” Upon their return, McGrady and Prendergast co-founded the Darfur Dream Team’s Sister Schools Program. The funds and pledges will ultimately provide 22,000 children in the 12 Darfuri refugee camp schools with access to quality education.

Over 350 U.S. schools in 26 states have signed up to participate in the program. “American students participating in the program are making an impact on the lives of Darfuri children, and also taking the opportunity to develop life-long bonds with their Darfuri peers,” said Prendergast, co-founder of the Darfur Dream Team. Click here to learn more about the Sister Schools Program.