School | Global Themes
Program Overview
This program immerses students in Rwanda’s past, and the events that have shaped its history. It includes visits to memorial sites which provide a firsthand look at the trauma induced by the genocide against the Tutsi people. Through interactions with members of the local community and organizations, students will gain insight into how human connections, both positive and negative, form the basis of our societies and structures. By learning about justice, forgiveness, healing, and restoration, The World Around Us will encourage students to explore the interconnectedness of our world and how we can all work together to create a better future.
Culturally and Historically Significant Sites:
- Kigali Genocide Memorial Museum
- Kandt Museum
- Parliament Genocide Memorial
- Ntarama Church
- Nyamata Genocide Memorial
- Ministry of National Unity
- Gisimba Genocide Memorial
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this program, students should be able to:
- Explore cultural identity and cultural self-awareness
- Demonstrate an understanding of global power imbalances
- Develop empathy and consideration for others
- Understand the characteristics of good leadership (leading by example, active listening, confidence, courage, respectfulness, responsibility, effective communication, perseverance, and being honorable)
- Commit to ongoing sustainable inquiry, improvement, and innovation
- Work together within a team to achieve a common goal
Program Contributors
Marc Gwamaka, Aegis Trust
Working to prevent genocide and crimes against humanity on an international scale, the Aegis Trust runs the Kigali Genocide Memorial in Rwanda. Marc Gwamaka is responsible for the trust’s national youth leadership programs. Marc has been active in the fight against genocide since his teenage years when he and his friends founded Peace and Love Proclaimers - Youth for Change a dynamic peace-building youth organization in Rwanda. Marc is the founder of Walk to Remember, an international education program used to educate and mobilize youth from all over the world to fight against genocide.
Sustainable Development Goals
This program engages students with the principles of the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These are linked to the planned curricular activities.
Gender Equality
Related Planned Curricular Activities: Nyamirambo Women’s Center, Reconciliation Village, Nyamata Genocide Memorial Site, Gisimba Genocide Memorial Center
Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Related Planned Curricular Activities: Aegis Trust, Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Gacaca Courts, Ntarama Church, Kigali Genocide museum
Featured Experiences
Kigali Genocide Memorial
Learn about the horrible events of the Rwandan Genocide by visiting this powerful memorial and museum. Here you will have the opportunity to deeply explore one of the most tragic events that shocked the world in recent history. You will come to understand the factors that contributed to an atmosphere of tremendous division and be inspired by the lessons of justice, forgiveness, and restoration that Rwanda has to impart.
Gorilla Encounter
This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to share space with the magnificent silverback gorillas, observing them from close distances on highly controlled trekking paths that traverse through their habitat. An encounter with these wild and endangered animals is one that you are not likely to forget.