USD Students Screen 3 Points, Kick Off Fundraising Drive
The University of San Diego, or USD, Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and the USD chapter of STAND, a student anti-genocide coalition, recently co-sponsored a screening of the documentary film 3 Points: Peace, Protection, and Punishment. Last Wednesday, approximately 230 students, faculty and community members attended the screening of the film which chronicles Houston Rockets star Tracy McGrady's journey to Darfuri refugee camps in eastern Chad. Following the trip, McGrady launched the Darfur Dream Team Sister Schools Program with his travelling companions, John Prendergast and Omer Ismail of the Enough Project.
As a Co-founder of Enough and a School of Peace Studies Peace Scholar, Prendergast spoke at the screening. He told the story of a young Darfuri refugee named Jacob, whose education has been interrupted by the conflict in Darfur. Through the Sister Schools Program, Jacob and thousands of students like him will be able to continue their education in the camps. Prendergast encouraged USD students saying, "Your support will determine the quality of education that the refugees get."
Students responded well to the film, calling it "inspiring," "motivational," "eye-opening," and "educational entertainment." USD junior Jonathan Fein said, "For a society to develop, for there to be hints of freedom and peace, people have to be educated." He added that he is excited to be a part of the Sister Schools Program because "even helping one school makes a big difference." Community members are also eager to assist students working to give Darfuri refugees access to quality education.
Students at the University of San Diego are partnered with the Obama School in Djabal Refugee Camp. USD students have raised $800 for Obama School this semester and hope to raise at least $2,000 this school year. For more information e-mail STANDUSD@gmail.com.
