International Conflict Zones is a new social studies class at VCHS taught by Peter Gallagher, who has shared their experience with us: Thursday, the class went to the Portland Art Museum to explore photographer Richard Mosse’s work on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The exhibit, “The Enclave,” challenged the students to reflect on the conflicts around the world that go unreported, particularly in Africa, and how a simple shift in medium can illuminate both the beauty of the Congo and the violence that wracks the region. The group also visited Mercy Corps NW for a workshop on violence and upheaval in Kosovo. The Mercy Corps instructor led the students through a simulation of internal displacement using interactive activities to challenge the students to think deeply about the choices so many refugees and internally displaced peoples face in war torn areas. Thanks to Mr. Gallagher and the rest of our outstanding faculty, our students are learning lessons beyond textbooks that they will never forget.
Posted on: Sat, 10 Jan 2015 19:12:00 +0000