Student Workshops

Holocaust AND Genocide Student Workshops

FSWC has developed a series of programs that provide elementary and high school teachers with knowledge of historical and contemporary issues of racism, antisemitism and other forms of hate, along with tools to help them address these topics in their classrooms.

Lessons and Legacies of the Holocaust

The Holocaust is not just a Jewish tragedy, but a human tragedy of epic proportion with far-reaching lessons for the entire world. This workshop explores the history of the Holocaust and the attitudes and social forces that enabled Nazi Germany and its collaborators to carry out the near-extermination of European Jews.
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Suitable for Grades 6 - 12

Learning from Testimony

Hearing from a Holocaust survivor or a descendant provides a poignant, personal insight into the human cost of unchecked hatred. Participants gain an empathetic and informed understanding of the Jewish experience during the Holocaust, becoming witnesses to this dark chapter of history and enhancing their knowledge for teaching about it.
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Suitable for Grades 6 - 12

Genocide Case Study: The Holocaust & Rwanda

Genocide is defined and investigated through Gregory Stanton’s 10 Stages of Genocide theoretical framework. Both the genocidal process along with the preventative measures are examined in two historical case studies to allow students to build an understanding of where theory intersects with reality.
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Suitable for Grades 7–12

Simon’s Story: Unboxing Prejudice

What does it mean to be a hero? What kind of actions are considered heroic? Characteristics such as integrity, courage and responsibility are investigated through real people who rose to the occasion and refused to look away. This workshop encourages an introspective look at defining the attributes of a hero and how each of us has the power to initiate positive change in our lives.

Suitable for Grades 4–6

Propaganda and the Second World War

Throughout the Holocaust and World War II, powerful forms of propaganda were used to persuade and coerce populations. This workshop looks at a wide range of imagery, media content and styles of propaganda from this historical time period while discussing bias and misinformation and relating it to messages in today’s media.

‍Suitable for Grades 7 – 12

Samudaripen: Nazi Genocide Against the Roma

The Holocaust wasn’t just a Jewish tragedy, but a human tragedy. This workshop is dedicated to understanding the experiences of the Romani and Sinti Peoples, one of the key ethnic groups targeted with genocide by the Nazis during the Second World War. This program will provide students with answers to the following questions: Who are the Romani People? What were their experiences under the racial policies of Adolf Hitler’s Nazi regime? Why have these victims often been silenced and marginalized in histories of this period?
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Suitable for Grades 7-12

Equity and Diversity Student Workshops

Designed for elementary and high school students and supporting lessons their teachers deliver every day in their own classrooms, FSWC’s education programs provide engaging learning opportunities that confront hatred and intolerance. Based on the Equity and Inclusivity Strategy our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion workshops address Ontario Ministry of Education expectations while generating lively discussions that challenge perspectives and offer greater understanding of often difficult subjects.

In Canada’s increasingly diverse society, it’s imperative that people understand and appreciate the intersectionality of identity and recognize the importance of acceptance, respect and inclusion. FSWC education and diversity workshops provide the relevant knowledge and resources to help students of all backgrounds feel comfortable to exhibit their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, family status and any other part of their identity without judgment or harassment from others.
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FSWC’s experienced and specially trained education team conducts a range of workshops in person and online for student groups across Canada. While each workshop has a specific focus, they all strive to foster a more positive and open-minded attitude in schools and everyday life by helping young people to better understand and respect the diversity of others. The goal of the programming is to teach about historical events while making real-world, contemporary connections and empowering youth to create positive change in their homes, schools and communities.

Roots of Hate and Intolerance

Canada, often described as a diverse cultural mosaic, is not free from hatred and intolerance. Examining racism, antisemitism and other forms of prejudice, this workshop shows how these issues impact students and their communities. Examples of historical and contemporary hate are used to heighten awareness and promote dialogue and positive action within the school and community.
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Suitable for Grades 6 - 12

Digital Citizenship

The internet’s impact is both positive and negative. On one hand, it functions as a forum for knowledge, creativity, progress and social change. On the other, it can also be a toxic channel that spreads all forms of hatred and intolerance. This workshop shines a light on issues such as cyberbullying, digital hate and the real-life consequences of these increasingly dangerous and growing trends along with the responsibilities that accompany citizenship in the virtual world.
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Suitable for Grades 4 – 6

Media Literacy and Online Hate: How Connected are You?

Hate and intolerance are not artifacts of the past; they have evolved and expanded in tandem with the technology of the 21st century, and we must prepare Canadian students to think critically as they explore and inhabit the digital landscape. This workshop builds on Digital Citizenship to develop further understanding about how to identify misinformation and hate speech online and highlights ways that students can take action.
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Suitable for Grades 7-9

Ever Again: An Introduction to Antisemitism

Students will build a base of understanding about antisemitism, a shape-shifting form of hate that has targeted and negatively impacted Jewish individuals and communities since ancient times. Moving beyond the Holocaust, participants will learn about the broader and often tragic role that this form of intolerance has played in shaping Jewish experiences, history, and identity. Students will unpack key antisemitic tropes and stereotypes that have persisted over time. They will also learn about antisemitism in the 21st century, with special attention given to the role of social media and digital spaces in driving real-world hate. This program will also encourage allyship in the face of anti-Jewish hate, with emphasis on inclusivity of Jewish voices and the importance of embracing opportunities for intercommunity dialogue.
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Suitable for Grades 7-12

Education