Gaming for Darfur

There is an interactive computer game called Darfur is Dying where the player is a refugee in a camp and has to complete certain tasks to stay alive and keep their community alive. Simple tasks like getting water are life threatening feats to these displaced Darfurians.

If you lose the game and are captured, the following window explains what might happen to you now. When I, the little girl character, was discovered in my attempt to get water for the camp, I was captured by militia. The folowing page told me that "Girls in Darfur face rape, abuse and kidnapping by the Janjaweed." Once you lose one part of a family, they do not return and you have to choose between the other members for your next task.

When you enter the camp itself, you are presented a welcoming page outlining the daily threats refugees there face. Inside the camp, you also have tasks to accomplish in order to keep the community alive.

• To feed your village you must water all the vegetable gardens by collecting water from pumps outside the camp. If your gardens flourish, you can return for harvest season.


• You must also build homes for the families in your community. This also entails bringing water. The water is mixed with dirt to make bricks.


• Do not forget to also stay healthy. When you are sick you must visit the clinic, but realize you will only be treated in rations and it is best to go when new WHO provided medical supplies and WFP food supplies arrive.


• Finally, you have to escape or hide when the militia come or you are subject to abuse, rape and murder!

In the game, there is a threat meter. This informs you how likely an attack is in the imminent future. This is similar to the word of mouth and the guards who alert camps of approaching militia. Beware when the meter goes red.

Aside from real-life stimulated games, the site offers links to more informative sites for research on Darfur. Sudan [Translating Genocide] link takes you to a place where you can watch a documentary made by 3 college student who traveled to camps in Chad in 2005. Sudan [Take Action] web page gives you a list of opportunities to make a difference. From this site you can:

1. Educate yourself on the Darfur Crisis.


2. E-mail the U.S. government.


3. Join a growing divestment movement (and learn more about it).


4. Donate money, supplies, etc.


5. Check out a benefit album published for the cause and sign a global petition.


6. And, of course, find out more ways you can get involved.

This is a great way to teach people about the Darfur crisis. It is fun, so young people will not feel like they are researching or anything. At the same time, it is very informative and demonstrates the everyday struggle that these refugees face. By playing a game, you can also educate yourself and get motivated to make a difference. Once you are motivated, making a difference is only a mouse click away!