SURF has produced a free new educational resource entitled ‘Survivors’ to help pupils understand the causes, course and consequences of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Using the testimony of three survivors the lessons outline what life was like before the genocide, what happened during the terrible 100 days of killing and what the consequences of the genocide were for the survivors.
Lesson 1: Before
A lesson that looks at what life was like in Rwanda before the genocide. Resources required are a brief film giving an overview of Rwanda’s immediate pre-genocide history and filmed testimony from survivors Simeon (Part 1, Part 2) , Cassien (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) and Daphrose (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). Activities ask pupils to consider the nature of the discrimination that Tutsis faced before 1994.
Download Lesson 1 (PDF)
Lesson 2: During
Again using the testimonies of Simeon, Cassien and Daphrose this lesson looks at the dreadful 100 days in 1994 when the genocide was unleashed in Rwanda. Activities ask pupils to consider the nature of the survivors’ experiences within the context of everyday language that they use themselves.
Download Lesson 2 (PDF)
Lesson 3: After
The story of Simeon, Cassien and Daphrose concludes with a look at their lives after the genocide and whether they have had positive experiences since. Further to this the pupils are asked to assess whether the survivors have received justice in the years after 1994.
Download Lesson 3 (PDF)