Meet Robin and Wael
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Lesson duration is: 45 minIntroduction
In this method, students use interactive questions and assignments to explore the similarities and differences in the stories of Robin and Wael. Robin is a Dutch Jew; Wael is a Syrian-Palestinian refugee living in Berlin. They both experience that others want to blame them for a conflict for which they have no responsibility.
Instructions
Robin and Wael were interviewed in 2016. Their stories are still relevant today.
Tip:
- Watch the two videos in advance
Stories that Move is a free online tool for education about diversity and discrimination, based on real stories and experiences of young people. You can use this lesson as an introduction to the working method of Stories that Move. If you are enthusiastic, take a look at: www.storiesthatmove.org and create a free account. With an account you have access to all videos and working methods of Stories that Move.
Worksheets
Items in this lesson
Slide 1 - Slide
This item has no instructions
Slide 2 - Slide
Brief introduction to the overarching theme of the lesson.
Why is there a war?
This question is big and complicated and requires a long explanation. It is perhaps important to begin by reflecting on the emotions that all wars evoke, and to recognise the suffering, sorrow and pain they cause.
By exploring the stories of two young people in Europe who are not part of the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict but are drawn to it, a different, personal, peer perspective emerges.
Slide 3 - Slide
Short lesson description for the student.
Slide 4 - Video
Watch Wael's video
Pick one word that expresses how you feel about this story
Slide 5 - Mind map
Ask the students to write down one word that describes how they feel when they see the video.
Students are often inclined to give a direct judgment or analysis about the story, the purpose of this assignment is to reflect on what the personal story does to them.
Discuss the responses and let students explore connections between the various replies. Pull them together if necessary.
Slide 6 - Video
Watch Robin's video
Pick one word that expresses how you feel about this story
Slide 7 - Mind map
Ask the students to write down one word that describes how they feel when they see the video.
Students are often inclined to give a direct judgment or analysis about the story, the purpose of this assignment is to reflect on what the personal story does to them.
Discuss the responses and let students explore connections between the various replies. Pull them together if necessary.
Name one difference between Robin’s story and Wael’s
Slide 8 - Open question
Discuss some of the answers.
A difference that you can name between the stories of Robin and Wael:
- As a Jewish girl in her own country (NL), Robin is called to account for the actions of a government of another country.
- As a refugee, Wael went to live in Berlin, where he was confronted with prejudices against Muslims.
Name one similarity between Robin’s and Wael’s stories
Slide 9 - Open question
Discuss some of the answers.
A similarity that you can name between the stories of Robin and Wael:
- Both experience discrimination as shocking and nasty.
- Both experience that they are held responsible for the actions of others.
What are you left wondering?
Slide 10 - Open question
The purpose of this slide is to get an idea of the questions that remain within the learners’ group. Pursue this at the end of this lesson or dedicate a follow-up lesson to it.
Slide 11 - Slide
Conclude with the photo and quote of Anne Frank. Optionally, you can discuss the quote with the students.
Slide 12 - Slide
A possible follow-up to this lesson is Learning Path 2: Facing Discrimination in the Stories that Move toolbox. Meet more young people to learn about how discrimination works and how it has impacted their lives.
Take a look at www.storiesthatmove.org and create a free account. With an account you have access to all videos and working methods of Stories that Move.
