The Freeport High School Human Relations Club presented their annual Human Rights Day symposium on Dec. 9. Returning to the district for a second time, Ms. Consolee Nishimwe, a 1994 Rwandan Genocide survivor, spoke to the students about the great adversity and abuse she experienced by her perpetrators.
"It is truly an honor to have Ms. Consolee Nishimwe visit us once again and speak to you today," said Freeport High School Principal Ms. Gisselle Campbell-Ham. "She truly epitomizes what I believe is resiliency, positivity and love."
Nishimwe is an author, a motivational speaker and a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. She is a committed speaker on genocide, a defender of women's rights and an advocate for other genocide survivors.
As Ms. Nishimwe spoke to the students, she shared her traumatic experience and the details of her survival. Her courage, determination and perseverance were motivational for all in attendance. She closed her presentation by sharing, "I see life in a very positive way. I wake up every day being grateful, thinking I am here for a reason and can help others by telling my story. For me, every day is a gift and I live my life with this mentality."
Following the presentation by Ms. Nishimwe, Freeport High School students attended breakout sessions in the Digital Learning Center hosted by the Long Island Crisis Center. The students participated in various activities focused on mental health and wellness.
The Freeport High School Human Relations Club explores various issues of justice and human rights to promote the realization that students at Freeport High School can make a difference in the world. Students participate in philanthropic fundraising activities and community service locally and globally.
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