News Archive
Lessons from Rwanda
Rod MacIntosh visits Social Justice 12
Students were transported to a nation in chaos as a guest speaker shared tales from Rwanda.
Rod MacIntosh served as a military observer during the Rwandan Genocide, and gave a presentation to Ms Sarah Kingstons's Social Justice 12 class on Wednesday.
Mr. MacIntosh was first deployed to Rwanda in June of 1994, at the height of the Country's shocking violence. Speaking informally about his experiences both within and outside his work, Mr. MacIntosh told stories about both atrocities and everyday life.
Using maps and photos, he illustrated how areas that had previously been destinations for vacationers had become a shambles, how town centres lay vacant, and how food and supplies were difficult to find.
"It was a complete breakdown of society," he told the class. "Everyone was scared of everything."
As the war ended and the country began to pick up the pieces, Mr. MacIntosh stayed, now describing the turmoil and ethical quandaries that remained, such as trying to figure out just who was right and who was wrong.
Following-up on a viewing of Shake Hands with the Devil, a feature film about Canadian General Romeo Dallaire's mission in Rwanda, Mr. MacIntosh probed the students' take on the film, asking them if they felt that it was 'historically accurate.'
For his part, Mr. MacIntosh suggests that it was accurate, at least in regard to the international reaction and (failed) measures taken by the United Nations.
The presentation was an eye-opening glimpse at international politics, and a rare first-hand insight into a conflict still simmering to this day.
– Jon Zacks
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