Resources
- Video/DVD
- Teacher's study guide
- Report on the Remembering Rwanda 10th Anniversary Memorial Project (2004)
- Report on A Dialogue with the Rwandan Ambassador to Canada (2005)
1. Through the lens of love
This short documentary illustrates the journey of Canadian teachers and students who traveled from Canada to Rwanda with the objective of gaining a first hand account of the state of Rwandan children in post genocide Rwanda. The story is narrated by the director who returns to the country of his birth following several decades living in exile.
It is a cross-cultural experience story in which the Canadian visitors participate in a program organized by Hope for Rwanda's Children Fund in conjunction with its sister organization, the Tumurere Foundation. Through a unique collaboration, they impart technical skills to Rwandan youth, and in return, they gain information about the country's history and culture in a way they could never have learned by reading a book. Using a digital still camera, they teach Rwandan youth how to use the art of photography as a means to reflect on their own history and share their vision of Rwanda with the outside world.
Through the Lens of Love is a story of solidarity between Canadian and Rwandan people as a testimony that when people know, they are willing to extend a helping hand. Through the film, a window opens to the reality that Rwandans are not passive recipients of foreign aid, but a people who are resilient and fighting hard to succeed against all odds. The video is intended to serve as a discussion-trigger for educational purposes towards a better understanding of global issues.
Proceeds from this event will assist children in Rwanda. Hope for Rwanda's Children Fund is a registered Canadian Charity BN 88969 7363 RR0001. For further information go to www.hopefund.on.ca, or call: 416-609-9375
2. Against All Odds (color, 20 min, 2003)
This video illustrates the experiences of African youth refugees as they try to integrate in their Canadian society upon their arrival in BC from war-affected countries. It explores challenges and opportunities they see in the process of making Canada their new home.
Against All Odds video was done as part of the director's MA project for the School of community and Regional Planning at UBC in collaboration with Immigrant Services Society of BC.
The documentary was done using participatory action research method to help African youth become productive citizens of their adoptive country. The youth were involved in the design, production, and editing stages of the project. As an educational tool, the video uses the power of storytelling to engage educators, youth, and community leaders to listen and understand issues that influence African youth in BC to affect social change.
