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2 • POSTED ON June 28, 2008
Posted by mcollins 
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Schools in the Toronto area often take their Grade 8 students to Ottawa for their end of year graduation.
For a school in Ottawa, however, the tables were turned.
Schools in the Toronto area often take their Grade 8 students to Ottawa for their end of year graduation.
For a school in Ottawa, however, the tables were turned.
On June 19th, close to 50 students from Sawmill Creek
Elementary School (Ottawa-Carleton District School Board) descended on
Toronto for their Grade 8 graduation. Not just a sightseeing visit,
this graduation trip provided a highly educational learning experience
that will leave lasting memories and inspire many to take a stand
against racism, antisemitism, terrorism and genocide.
After a morning adventure at the CN Tower, students from Sawmill Creek
watched the critically acclaimed movie, “I Have Never Forgotten You:
The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal”. This screening was followed
by a dynamic workshop and presentation at the Tom and Anna Koffler
Tolerance Training Centre at the Toronto headquarters of Friends of
Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies (FSWC).
FSWC education consultant, Michael Ettedgui led the workshop, providing
students with insight into genocide and the atrocities that are
happening in the world today. The students also learned about the
Holocaust – the most extreme genocide in history.
The workshop was followed by a presentation by Dr. Acol Dor, a survivor
of the genocide in South Sudan. She spoke about the terrors she and
her family encountered in Sudan, ensuring the students understood the
severity of the genocide and the brutalities that innocent people are
currently facing in Darfur. Students learned that the atrocities of
genocide are not just a part of history, but something that continues
to affect the lives of hundreds of thousands of people today. Dr.
Dor impressed on the students that we still have a long way to go in
achieving a society of equality without any discrimination.
This incredible journey of learning ended with expressions of deep
gratitude and appreciation from both the teachers and students in
attendance. Inspired by the ideas of justice, tolerance and human
rights, the students departed for Ottawa, but not before asking what
they could do to make a difference; and how they could ensure “never
again” was a reality.
To book a workshop at FSWC, please contact Tracey Steyn at 416-864-9735 ext. 21 or tsteyn@fswc.ca.
To learn more about FSWC, go to www.fswc.ca.
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