On February 26, the Washington D.C. Taiwanese School held a series of commemorative activities for 228 Taiwan Human Rights Day.

Teachers committed to human rights in the classrooms, with many teachers using stories, art, and class discussions to introduce or enhance students’ understanding of universal human rights and the importance of protecting human rights. Many teachers also helped students to learn more about the 228 Incident and ensuing period of White Terror in Taiwan.

“Commemorating 228 is not a political event,” pointed out David Tang, WDCTS’s principal. “We need to understand and face our past in order to move forward.”

After classes, students and adults contributed to the creation of the WDCTS 228 Lennon Wall to express love for Taiwan and write messages about human rights protection, justice, respect for one another, and the brave pursuit of love and peace. All members of the community were invited to write or draw on sticky notes and place them on the wall.

“Our children are the future leaders and decision-makers of our society,” said Jean C. Han, co-president of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association. “We believe it’s important to teach about human rights, democracy, and freedom in a way that’s accessible to everyone, whether you are 2 years old or 82 years old.”

More than 325 messages were written or drawn by children and adults. Through this form of participatory art, the multi-generational WDCTS community came together to confront the challenges of ensuring that the atrocities of 228 never happen again, and safeguarding democracy and human rights by grappling with what happened, understanding the urgency and importance of remembering history, and teaching children to uphold these values.

Also on display was the history of 228 as told through comics. This exhibition immediately drew many children to read the story of what happened in Taiwan just seventy-six years ago.

Although many Taiwanese are still hesitant to discuss the topic, the WDCTS community demonstrated that not only is it possible for children to understand 228 and human rights, but also it is vital that overseas Taiwanese teach this history to the next generation so that society can learn and grow together.

“Taiwanese should not downplay the 228 massacre. We should discuss it out loud with friends and kids so that history won’t repeat itself. I am grateful that our Taiwanese school gave me a chance to talk about it with my kids today,” said Pei-Lin Weng, a parent of two young children who attend WDCTS.

Video：Taiwanese School Commemorates 228 Taiwan Human Rights Day