UNESCO and UNIC partner to educate young students on slavery and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

In a compelling collaboration aimed at enlightening young minds, the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) in Accra teamed up with UNESCO, led by the Head of Office and Country Representative, Mr. Edmond Moukala N'Gouemo, to host an outreach event at the Ussher Fort to mark International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Over 100 students from selected schools in Accra attended the event, organised by UNIC Accra. Observed annually on 25 March, this year’s observance was under the theme, "Creating Global Freedom: Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations”.

Mr. N'Gouemo shared insights from an African perspective, shedding light on the intellect and skills of enslaved ancestors. "Our forefathers were not just captured for their physical attributes," he emphasized, instilling a sense of pride in heritage among the students. Furthermore, he challenged students to be critical thinkers and use the lessons learnt from the briefing session to become change makers.

The National Information Officer at UNIC Accra, Madam Cynthia Prah,  echoed the object of the Day, urging students to eschew hatred, bigotry and discrimination. She engaged the students in thought-provoking discussions about the inhumane acts and unimaginable suffering endured by victims of the slavery and Transatlantic Slave Trade.

For his part, the National Program Officer at UNESCO, Mr. Carl Ampah stressed on the importance of preserving world heritage sites like the Ussher Fort.  He said it is important that we work to ensure that the stories of the past remain vivid and relevant for generations to come, adding that “UNESCO designates and helps people know the histories or the heritage of different kinds of people”.

Through dramatic reenactments and immersive experiences, the students were transported back in time, gaining a deeper understanding of the horrors of slavery and the importance of countering racism with justice in societies and among nations. This collaborative effort between UNIC and UNESCO served to raise awareness about the horrors of slavery and foster a more inclusive and equitable world. Both students and teachers from the two participating schools, Bishop Mixed Junior High School and Mantse Tackie School, were thankful for the knowledge imparted on the students.