"Duluth to Darfur" outcome and wrap-up

The "Duluth to Darfur" event was an even bigger success than was originally planned for. The goal was to raise $2500 which would provide 100 families with 2 solar ovens each. The event actually raised $3500 which will provide 140 refugee families with solar ovens. The groups involved in this project were as follows: United Africa, International Students Organization, The Third Wave, Kaleidoscope Multi cultural Club, Social Work Club, Amnesty international, Earth Action, and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, as well as off campus groups such as UMD, some Benedictine sisters, and some faculty and community members.

This is my final blog for the semester and I thought I would wrap it up with some of the things I learned along the way. I did not really even know about United for Africa before I had this experience. I learned about all the activities that happen on campus to get the students involved, and I also learned that there are several easy things that students can do to get involved without being completely committed to a certain group or club. I really didn't know much about Africa and I didn't realize how much help they need in certain areas.

Like many students I don't have time to commit to a group on campus, so it was interesting to learn about ways to get involved without committing time to the group every week. It was interesting to find out what happens in other parts of the world. Along the same lines of time, I don't always have time to read the paper and find out what is happening. It was nice to quickly learn the important information that I need to know about Africa. It was also nice to learn about the women of Africa, because it is always nice to learn about women who are taking initiative in other countries of the world. The posts about meeting minutes was also helpful because then you can find out what is happening in the club without having to attend all the meetings. It was also interesting to learn what I could do to help other countries. I have always wanted to do something to improve others' lives, but I have not known how to go about accomplishing it. This was a way for me to help, that was easily attainable.