GULF SHORES, Ala. — Teenagers at Gulf Shores High School are working to raise awareness of an international issue close to home.

After students were assigned a project about the current genocide in Sudan, the Advanced Placement U.S. History class decided to take the issue to the public.

“As of 2003, over 400,000 people have been killed,” Tabitha Larkan, an 11th grade and AP U.S. History student, said. “Most of us were appalled that it’s still happening now and that the United States doesn’t do anything.”

Darfur, a region in the African country Sudan, has become the scene for nine years of racially directed murders.

“Conflict has occurred between Arab-Africans and Africans,” teacher Amoreena Brewton said.

She said the government is funding the Arab-Africans attempt to wipe out all Africans. Not only have 400,000 Africans been killed, but more than two million have been displaced.

“It’s a difference of religion but they also claim to be racially superior because they have Arab connections,” Brewton said.

The group will share information about the terrible, but realistic problem of ethnic cleansing at the GSHS Earth Day Festival on Saturday at Meyer Park from 10 a.m. to noon. They will also be selling hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks and accepting donations to raise money for Darfur. The day will include a bake sale and live music as well.

“We’re hoping to raise $2,010 because we are the class of 2010,” Larkan said.

Passes for an out-of-uniform day were also sold to collect funds. Money will go to an organization in Sudan that specifically works with refugees of the genocide.

The class is also planning to send 1,000 postcards to President Barack Obama containing facts about the Darfur genocide. Larkan said the hope is to show him the U.S should be helping.

“As the postcards travel to get to the White House we’re thinking other people will look at the cards and it will have an impact on them,” Brewton said.

She said the students were shocked the American government hadn’t stepped in to help.

“After we learned about the Holocaust and America said ‘Never again would we allow this to happen’ the kids were really upset,” Brewton said.

She said the students question the government and want answers.

They hope sending postcards to Obama will show him their concern.

“We want action,” Brewton said “Our hope is that (Obama) will take action.”

To show support, Brewton encourages all to attend the festival and visit the Save Darfur booth on April 25.