“Wrap-up” discussion
The subject discussed in this lesson plan is very sensitive. Talking about children recruited and used as soldiers and genocide in Rwanda is difficult. You and your students may have found it emotionally challenging.
The lesson plan is designed to start a reflection about war, peace and the challenges of peacekeeping. It also encourages us to think about the rights children have to peace, safety, and security.
Make sure to end the activity in a positive, peaceful way. If your school allows, consider distributing chocolate to the class. Acknowledge that the events in Rwanda and General Dallaire’s story about the chocolate bar are difficult ones to learn. Canadians learned a lot about peacekeeping in Rwanda. This resulted in changes to how peacekeeping missions are structured and the support available to Veterans.
The Dallaire Institute has and continues to push for change and the protection of children. And people impacted by war, like the Hadhad family, continue to share a strong message of peace. Remind your class that peace is fragile and it starts with all of us.
Finally, highlight that Rwanda has worked hard to re-build. Despite all the hardships the country faced, a generation of young Rwandans have now grown up in peace. The country has invested in educating youth about the importance of peace, justice and reconciliation. Peace cannot be taken for granted, anywhere in the world. But today, Rwanda shows us that peace is possible.
End the lesson with the video Peace is possible produced by the Dallaire Institute (2 minutes 20 seconds).
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