Date selection [Discussion workshop: our colonial legacy, from 14 years old] - Musée d'ethnographie de Genève

Secondary I & II

Students choose a topic for discussion from a list of themes linked to the museum's collections. A short visit to the permanent exhibition enables them to understand how this theme resonates with the exhibitions.

Representations and stereotypes: How do images inherited from colonisation influence our perception of cultures and minorities?
Inequalities and discrimination: What links exist between current injustices and colonial history?
Cultural appropriation: What does it mean to appropriate elements of another culture without respecting their meaning?
Decolonising knowledge: How can we rethink the histories and ideas taught by listening to other perspectives?
Responsibility and reparation: What can museums do to repair the harm done by the past?

After exploring the chosen topic, the students reflect together, in a cooperative way, for about an hour, using a fun discussion tool. The guides and teachers facilitate the dialogue without participating directly.

By encouraging open and respectful dialogue, it raises young people's awareness of the importance of deconstructing colonial images in order to promote a fairer and more inclusive society.

Practical informations

Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Days: Tuesday and Friday
Timetable: 8.45 am and 1.30 pm
Free for all classes from the canton of Geneva
CHF 50 for classes from outside Geneva
Access to the permanent exhibition is free
Accessible to people with reduced mobility