AFP visits to experience wonders of Rwanda

Buffalo State theater students, who have been on a two- week trip in Rwanda have visited various places in order to explore the country’s wonders as an extension of the Anne Frank Project (AFP) and were mentioned in the article, “Intimate Proximity: The Human Face of Genocide” in “International Educator” magazine.

 

The group visited places such as orphanages, wildlife reserves, refugee camps, and genocide memorials.

 

The team which has since travelled back to the U.S. will be collaborating with Rwandan student-artists to begin the creation of a new play based on social justice issues of their choice.

 

Founded in 1977 by Anne’s father Otto, Anne Frank Center (AFP) a non-profit organization based in the USA, in collaboration with Anne Frank House is aimed at supporting and educating young people.

 

The organisation uses the diary and spirit of Anne Frank as unique tools to advance her legacy, to educate young people and communities in the U.S. and Canada about the dangers of intolerance, anti-Semitism, racism and discrimination, and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on equal rights and mutual respect.

 

This mark the third trip members of the Anne Frank Project has made to Rwanda. Along with the 8 Buffalo State students, the 2013 Rwanda trip team consists of alumni, faculty members, and donors.

 

“The article really places us amongst the elite in higher education genocide studies,” noted Drew Kahn, theater professor and Anne Frank Project director who is leading the group along with humanitarian Carl Wilkens.

 

The focus of the trip, according to Kahn, is to experience the multiple wonders of Rwanda, its culture, history, and people and artistically translate these rich moments into the storytelling process of devised theater.

 

This storytelling foundation will be developed into a full performance in the Ensemble Theater course this spring.

 

The final product will premiere at the Anne Frank Project’s 2013 conference and tour local high schools during the fall 2013 semester.

Through a variety of innovative education programs and exhibitions, the Center uses Anne Frank as a role model for today.

Her insights and courage continue to inspire students, educators and citizens more than 60 years after her diary was first published.