On Thursday, December 17, 2009, thirty Global Kids Leaders at Long Island City High School organized and presented Talent for Darfur, a show that raised awareness about the genocide in Darfur, Sudan, and also generated $900 to support the education of war-affected youth in the region. Over 300 audience members enjoyed acts ranging from a traditional Indian dance to an impersonation of Lady Gaga, while learning about the situation in Darfur and how to take action. The genocide has led to the killing of over 300,000 people and displacement of 2.5 million from their homes since 2003.

The talent show was one of many activities organized by Global Kids Leaders at Long Island City High School, to educate their peers and raise money for grassroots projects and schools in Darfur. A protest vigil (pictured above and below) took place in Union Square the same week, to draw attention to violence against women displaced by the ongoing conflict. Armed with the slogan “We are breaking the silence”, they asked passersby to sign a letter to their Senators urging them to support a specific policy aimed at protecting and providing women with vital health services in the region.

Stay tuned for further updates on the students' activities as they continue to work on Darfur throughout the school year.

To read a press release about LIC High School students' work on Darfur, click here.