They learned about the need to end child labour.
They learned they want every child in the world to have an education.
They learned about doing their best to be better citizens.
Students from McKenzie-Smith Bennett Public School in Acton took so much from their participation in Freedom Day earlier this school year, they are putting into practice their desires to make the world a better place.
On September 20, 2011, approximately 90 students and staff from the school took part in Freedom Day in downtown Toronto. Freedom Day is held on the anniversary of Holocaust survivor Simon Wiesenthal’s death and was created to highlight the Canadian values of democracy, human rights and freedom. More than 2,500 students from public, Catholic and private schools across the Greater Toronto Area attended.
The keynote speaker was L.Gen The Hon. Romeo Dallaire (Ret'd), author of Shake Hands with the Devil, which details his experiences as Commander of the United Nations Forces in Rwanda during the Rwandan genocide. He was joined by Michel Chikwanine, who discussed his experiences as a child
soldier in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Freedom Day was an opportunity for students to hear about current global issues and how they can truly make a difference. Students were impressed by what they heard, saying they have a responsibility to improve the world around them.
Grade 8 student Anieca - who asked the Freedom Day speakers a question about their goals for the current generation of youth - says younger people like herself need to understand the past to make the future brighter.
“We met people with such great inspirational stories to tell, about how changing the world is so important, and how to make a difference, no matter where you are from or how old you are,” she says. “We’re the next generation.”
The Freedom Day visit is part and parcel of the school’s push to encourage students to become responsible citizens. School Student Leaders attended Free The Children’s WE DAY in Toronto September 27; MSB students and staff collected more than 1,100 pounds of nonperishable food items for Acton Food Share; Grade 8 students are making and selling friendship bracelets with the proceeds going to Somalia hunger relief.
These kinds of events have strong curriculum ties, says MSB teacher Carolyn Neilson, including literacy links in Grade 8 Global Citizenship and Grade 7 ‘Stepping Up’ Character Education and Cultural Diversity. Also, the Board's School Improvement Plans with respect to health and safety and well-Being, is highlighted during these initiatives, she notes.
“I hope they have learned they are connected to others and that even small acts can have a large impact; they have a voice and can use it to help others,” says Neilson. “It is looking at the world from not just a ‘me’ perspective but from a ‘we’ perspective.”
Freedom Day was a follow up Grade 7 and 8 students' participation in workshops at The Friends of Simon Wiesethal Centre in Toronto last year.
The Grade 7s attended a workshop entitled, Heroes Among Us. The students investigated the idea of a hero: what defines a hero, the role they play in our everyday lives and who can be a hero.
The Grade 8s attended a workshop, called, Lessons and Legacy of The Holocaust, which involved an introduction of the Holocaust and a study of Europe at this time. Students had the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor, listen and gain a better understanding of the impact the Holocaust has had on society.