Darfur Genocide: Dodd Students Respond

Darfur refugee Al-Fadel Arbab has returned to Dodd Middle School four times to bring his story of survival to students and faculty.

On his most recent visit, Thursday, Arbab said the memorial tree planted at the school is a symbol of his survival:

"I climbed a tree every night on my journey to avoid being found by the Jajaweed militia and Sudanese military."

Here are comments about Arbab's story from former Purple Team members, now at Cheshire High School:

“It was really touching. We didn’t know how bad it was until he told us,” Lily Graham.

“A lot of people didn’t make it through, he's a fortunate one,” Emily Gotowala

“The whole school had a lot of pride and passion and it showed,” Maggie Kuehl.

“(Involvement) in the project helped me not be bullied. Darfur showed me to be thankful for what I have,” Kristen Pearsall.

“The connection with Darfur victims and El Fadel helped us,” Maggie Schmitt.

Comments from teachers, administrators and guests:

“We started this community service project five years ago. I had no idea it would turn into a day like today. Encourage eighth graders to be upstanders,” former Dodd teacher Sherry Stekloff.

“For four weeks each year, we spread the word of what’s happening,” Social Studies teacher John Fisari

“My favorite line in the book is: For entire life my family was not reunited. I can write of loss for I know rescue,” Lauren Kempton, professor and author of El Fadel Arbab’s story of escape from Darfur.

“I built my company around it. I met Lauren (Kempton) and knew I wanted to be involved. I makes waking up in the morning important,” Alexandra Saville, owner of Red Skies Publishing.

More information about the Darfur genocide and can be found here:

• Students Taking Action Now: Darfur
• Fur Cultural Revival