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Dollars for Darfur
CNN Transcript

Also on Capitol Hill, Congress getting a visit today from two high school students. There they are. They are raising awareness and a whole lot of money for relief in Darfur. Ana Slavin and Nick Anderson are joining us now from Washington. Nice to have you guys. Thanks for being here.

NICK ANDERSON, DOLLARS FOR DARFUR COFOUNDER: Thank you.

ANN SLAVIN, DOLLARS FOR DARFUR COFOUNDER: Thank you.

COLLINS: We are really interested in hearing how you became aware and keenly interested, I should say, in the issue of Darfur. Ana, why don't you tell me.

SLAVIN: Well, Nick and I both had experiences last summer. I had an internship at the Wellesley College Women's Research Center doing research on gender-based violence in Third World countries. And Darfur was obviously a very prominent topic at that time.

ANDERSON: And, for me, last May I traveled to South Africa. And that was something that sort of opened my eyes to the issues in Darfur. And then over the summer I worked for a geophysics crew. And a lot of the guys who I was working with had been in Chad and sort of witnessed the horrors of the refugee camps and that was another thing that inspired me to get involved with this project.

COLLINS: Well, it just absolutely tears your heart out. We're looking at some video now of, you know, some of the images that we have captured in our reporting, as well. But, hey, you know, $300,000 is what you guys have raised. It's certainly not a small amount. What kind of fundraising activities were you able to do and get such success like this? Ana?

SLAVIN: Well, high schools across the country have all participated. And they've thought of really creative ways of raising money at their high schools and in their communities. They have had benefit concerts run and performed by students. They have held walks and runs raising money. It's really been great to see their enthusiasm.

COLLINS: Yes. Hey, Nick, how receptive were your classmates? This -- does everybody seem to really understand what's going on over there?

ANDERSON: It's been amazing. From our classmates at school to people across the country, we have had the greatest feedback. And being able to see people who knew nothing about Darfur and then were totally engaged in the cause was really great.

COLLINS: I'll bet it was. And what about testifying before Congress, though? What was that like, Nick?

ANDERSON: That was something that sort of was the ultimate embodiment of our goal, because we were giving our generation a voice to speak on these important issues and showed that we cared and wanted to make a difference on these topics.

COLLINS: What do you think, Ana, was maybe the one line or the portion of the testimony that really hit home when you were there?

SLAVIN: For me, speaking or...

COLLINS: Yes.

SLAVIN: I think the fact that our generation is standing up and making a difference and people are starting to listen. People are starting to become more aware.

COLLINS: Nick, did you notice anything in particular that you were able to say and really seemed to make people sit up and take notice?

ANDERSON: Well, just along the lines of what Ana said. It's really inspiring to see the kids all around the country coming together on such an important issue.

COLLINS: I know that you meet with your congressman today. What happens after that? I mean will you continue to do some of this fundraising?

ANDERSON: Absolutely. Although this year's challenge is over, we have plans for next year. And, of course, everyone can get involved on our Web site, SaveDarfur.org. There's lots of work left to be done and we just hope that more people from around the country will get involved.

COLLINS: Ana, how has this changed your life?

SLAVIN: It's made me more aware of everything that's going on, I guess, and it's really become a strong passion of mine now. I'll never look at the world the same, I guess.

COLLINS: Do you have any plans to visit the country, either of you?

ANDERSON: I am hoping to visit Darfur and Chad, this summer.

COLLINS: You are?

ANDERSON: Yes.

COLLINS: Well, excellent work, you guys. I'm very proud of you. I'm sure your parents are, as well. Nick Anderson and Ana Slavin today. Three hundred thousand dollars. Good for you guys.

ANDERSON: Thank you so much.

SLAVIN: Thank you.

COLLINS: Thank you.

HARRIS: How about that?

Chad Myers, what do you say we give those two young people roadblock Paris Hilton coverage, huh? How about that?

(CROSSTALK)

COLLINS: I'm sure they're very concerned.