Highfields School welcomed a special guest, Anaïs Mutumba, on Thursday, January 25, 2024, to deliver a powerful session titled 'Lessons from Rwanda.' The event took place in the school's Lecture Theatre, where Year 8 and 9 students gathered to hear Anaïs share her experiences as a survivor of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda in 1994.
The daylong program, integrated into the students' timetabled History lessons, was part of Highfields School's commitment to providing a comprehensive understanding of genocide and promoting awareness of historical atrocities. This initiative is a significant step in the school's journey towards earning the UCL Quality Mark for Holocaust and Genocide Education.
Miss Tappenden and Anaïs Mutumba
The school's dedication to Holocaust and Genocide Education is evident in its week-long observance of Holocaust Memorial Day, with this year's theme being 'Fragility of Freedom.' The students have all been encouraged to reflect on Anaïs’s story, and the wider theme of genocide, and express their thoughts and feelings on the topic, through poetry, art, music or any other medium they choose.
As the school marks the 30-year anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, the visit by Anaïs Mutumba holds particular significance. The decision to focus on Rwanda for this year's Holocaust Memorial Day activities reflects a commitment to acknowledging and learning from various genocides, broadening their understanding and empathy for different cultures who face such injustices.
Reflecting on Anaïs Mutumba's visit, the impact on students has been described as "incredibly well planned & resourced," with Anaïs being praised for her engaging presentation style. Students in Years 8 and 9 were captivated by her story, gaining a deeper understanding of the historical context and the importance of learning from the past.
