[hr-education-na] Hotel Rwanda Teacher's Guide

Dear Educators,

In 1994 almost one million people were killed in a systematic genocide in
the central African country of Rwanda. As the world stood by, a handful of
brave, resourceful and inspiring individuals did all they could to save
Rwandans from brutal deaths. Paul Rusesabagina, whose story is portrayed in
the powerful and hopeful film Hotel Rwanda, reminds all of us what one
person can accomplish when moved to act.

Hotel Rwanda addresses a horrific issue: genocide. This is a difficult and
upsetting topic. Yet, as the film shows, while people and governments chose
to ignore the 1994 Rwandan genocide, one individual bravely risked his life
and stood up to the horror, calling upon all of his resources to first save
his family, then ended up saving 1,268 helpless refugees.

Terry George, Hotel Rwanda's director, takes us on Paul's journey, showing
the country's struggle and how the world turned a blind eye. He leads us in
the end to a place of hope and promise.

In cooperation with United Artists, Amnesty International USA has created a
Hotel Rwanda teacher's guide intended for use by high school age students.
It can also be used in the traditional classroom or a community setting.

DOWNLOAD THE TEACHER'S GUIDE NOW:

http://takeaction.amnestyusa.org/ctt.asp?u=305607l=12574

The purpose of this educator's guide is to explore the history of the
crisis and generate debate on strategies that could have been pursued to
prevent the genocide. It is also a tool for analyzing what will be
effective in the future as the international community confronts similar
conditions.

This guide offers educators an opportunity to explore the idea of
individual and collective responsibility. Two of the lessons included in
this guide examine the role of the international community and the role of
the media. The third lesson addresses the issue of transition - hope,
accountability and how a country recovers from such a horrific event.

There are many questions that can be asked about how the genocide in Rwanda
could have happened; the lessons in this guide seek to address some of
those questions. A deeper and much more difficult issue to grapple with is
that of the role of the individual. What moves any of us to action? What
influences our actions and behaviors? How do we reconcile our inaction in
the face of injustice? How do we mobilize others, and how do we tap into
our own resources to create change?

Hotel Rwanda is now available for rent or purchase on DVD and VHS. We have
heard the phrase "never again," yet again today we see evidence of human
tragedies. As you watch this movie, I hope you are troubled by what you
see. I hope you are inspired by Paul's actions, I hope you are moved and
you do whatever you can to ensure that never again truly means never again.

Peace,

Karen Robinson
Director
AIUSA Human Rights Education Program



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