The New School Graduate Program in International Affairs

Darfur RehabilitationProject - Relief Information Clearinghouse

DARFUR REHABILITATION PROJECT (DRP), a recognized 501c3 charitable organization based in Newark, New Jersey, was founded by a group of Darfurians living in the United States who are deeply concerned over the human rights tragedy now occurring in their homeland in western Sudan. Members of the DRP organization come from various ethnic populations native to the region. Through this diversity, members of DRP are able to effectively communicate a personal understanding of the current catastrophe and of the ways in which the genocide has affected them personally, their families, and communities across western Sudan.   

The DRP Mission Statement includes a mandate to unify the voice of Darfurians everywhere in order to bring increased international attention to the continuing crimes against humanity in the region; to advocate for justice forthe victims; to foster conflict resolution; in collaboration with other individuals and organizations that share the same values, to foster the advancement of the people of the region, including refugees in neighboring countries, through education, advocacy, direct services and research; also to foster democratization and respect for human rights.  

Two semesters ago DRP approached The New School in order to implement and improve water distribution in and around refugee camps in Eastern Chad.  A PDPM team worked over the semester and recommended that DRP not pursue a water project, but focus on their developed expertise of advocacy. DRP would now like a Practicum team to follow-up on this, and help determine the viability DRP hosting an online Clearinghouse to support NGO partners in the Darfur region.  The Clearinghouse concept would be to create an up-to-the-minute database of information and resources regarding the water situation in Eastern Chad and the Darfur Region.

The Clearinghouse would provide the following benefits to DRP and tothe enhancement of relief operations:

- Potential funders and other relief sector organizations will view DRP as well-informed adding greater integrity and legitimacy to DRP efforts.

- Potential funders and NGOs with have easy access to up-to-the-minute information on the Darfur water crisis and what is needed for relief.

- Funders will gain access to the network and the DRP partnership base that will be used to implement future projects.

- Creates an online web presence hosted by DRP allowing for networking within the relief sector, a forum for dialogue and a broader home for advocacy.

- The clearinghouse would offer funders a place to research projects inthe region, their successes, and strategies.

Students will be asked to:

- Identify existing on-line/ web-based clearinghouse examples

- Select model(s) that appear to have potential for further exploration

- Research technical processes and cost of development

- Identify impact on local communities, NGOs, and the potential

- Explore barriers/ease of entry

- Identify resources and capital availability

After the feasibility study has been completed, students will recommend the most viable business model and develop a business plan for DRP.