Annual Human Rights Day at Freeport school

The Freeport High School Human Relations Club held their annual Human Rights Day seminar on Dec. 9. Consolee Nishimwe, a 1994 Rwandan Genocide survivor, returned to the district for the second time and spoke to the students about the enormous difficulty and cruelty she endured at the hands of her abusers. 

“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 a motivational speaker, author, and survivor of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide against Tutsis. She is a devoted genocide speaker, defender of women’s rights, and champion for other genocide survivors. Nishimwe spoke to the students about her traumatic experience and how she persevered.

“I see life in a very positive way,” NishimweI said at the end of her presentation. “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 Nishimwe’s lecture, Freeport High School students attended breakout sessions in the Long Island Crisis Center’s Digital Learning Center. The students took part in a variety of activities centered on mental health and wellness.

The Freeport High School Human Relations Club investigates many themes of justice and human rights in order to foster the idea that Freeport High School students can make a difference in the world. Students engage in charity fundraising and community involvement on a local and global scale.