Teacher's note: Be sure to review all materials before showing to your class — the lead video for this lesson contains violent and disturbing imagery related to genocide.
SUMMARY
Rwanda is holding observances to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the genocide in that East African nation that took one million lives. Rwanda has won praise for rebuilding efforts, but democratic backsliding and conflict just outside its borders have raised concern over the country’s future stability. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports. A warning, this story discusses and has imagery of genocide.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- Where is Rwanda?
- Who committed genocide in Rwanda?
- How many people were killed in the war?
- What legal process was used to reconcile opposing factions in Rwanda?
- Why are there still challenges in Rwanda 30 years later?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What do you think are the best ways for the people of a nation to reconcile after a civil war?
Media literacy: Why do you think the story of this anniversary is being covered on a U.S. news program? What makes it relevant to other global concerns?
Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What would you want to find out more about?
FOR MORE
What students can do:
Do you know about the United Nations sustainable development goals, or SDGs?
SDGs represent an international plan to end poverty, inequality and protect the environment. You can learn more about them here.
After learning about SDGs, have a class discussion — how can the path toward reconciliation taken by Rwanda help inspire UN SDGs?
Teachers: Check out this lesson on Sustainable Development Goals and challenge your students to think about making the world a better place.
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