The Genocide and Human Rights Summer Institute image of children in concentration camps
A New Mandate...A New Curriculum...A Call for Action
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Partners for Lifelong Learning NIU P-20 Pre-school to Graduate School

Some people did not even find someone to kill because there were more killers than victims.
-Gitera Rwamuhuzi,
on the 1994 slaughter of villagers of Nyarubuye, Rwanda, where the Hutus
led a massacre
in a local church.
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Institute Goals

 

  • Understand the history and legacy of genocide and human rights.

    • children genocide victims in rwanda
  • Explore how the history of genocidal events and human rights violations is related to contemporary world problems.

  • Become familiar with the vast body of historical, political, anthropological/sociological literature on genocide and human rights.

  • Prepare educators to meet various state and district-mandated curricular goals be incorporating genocide content and awareness into their curriculum.

  • Develop new and revised lesson plans and curricular outlines.

  • Learn techniques for respectfully presenting graphic images in the classroom.

  • Foster long-term relationships between K-20 educators for sustained curricular development, sharing of ideas, and creation of new knowledge in the field of genocide and human rights studies and related instructional methods.

    What previous participants have said about the Institute:

    “I was impressed at how many highly qualified people were involved.”

    “The [Washington, D.C.] meetings crystallized a critical dilemma of genocide—political overlays and diplomacy are juxtaposed with clear and rapid response.”

    “My knowledge of worldwide genocides (past and present) has been increased exponentially.”

    “I thought the two weeks were excellent. They were very well organized. The speakers were great, the books were great, the meals and lodging were also great.”

    “This institute was an excellent experience. I learned many things and can say that it has changed my perspective in important ways.”

    “Wow! This was an incredible two weeks—everything and more of what I wanted and expected…you planted a seed that will keep growing and growing.”

    Pictures from the 2006 Institute: 

    Kate Maley and Shamra Fallon in front of the United States Capital Building. Dr. Roger Smith sharing a few post-seminar Comments with Christina Meyer and Deb Pattee.
    The Institute cohort at the USHMM with Mrs. Manya Friedman, a survivor. Dr. Christine Worobec conducts her seminar On the Ukrainian-famine-genocide. 
    The Institute participants in the lobby of the Senate Hart Building after meeting with Members of Sen. Akaka’s (HI-D) staff.

     

     
photos of female prisoners

© 2006 Northern Illinois University