BREAKING THE SILENCE The Transatlantic Slave Trade Education Project (TST) The ASPnet Transatlantic Slave Trade (TST) Project was launched in 1998 to break the silence surrounding the Transatlantic Slave Trade and to enable young people to fully comprehend the past, understand the present and prepare a better future together in a world free of all types of stereotypes, enslavement, injustice, discrimination and prejudice. The TST project aims to improve the teaching of history by telling the whole story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. The project emphasizes the significance of the TST, the suffering it caused and its social, cultural and economic impact on the Atlantic world. It is the first international endeavour to mobilize schools in Africa, the Americas / Caribbean and Europe to develop new educational approaches while promoting an intercultural dialogue between young people.

The project is funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Questions/Answers

How long did the Transatlantic Slave Trade last Approximately 400 years, from the late 1400s to the 1800s

How many people were affected ? Although the exact number will probably never be known, it is estimated that tens of millions of Africans were shipped across the Atlantic to a life of bondage as part of a triangular trade system.

Why was it called the Triangular Transatlantic Slave Trade ? Because it involved three-part trading expeditions between Europe, Africa and the Americas or the Caribbean. Countless enslaved Africans died during the notorious 'middle passage' (the Atlantic crossing).

What is the ASPnet Transatlantic Slave Trade (TST) Project ? An integral part of the UNESCO Slave Route Project, it is a serious attempt to improve the teaching of history by telling the whole story of the Transatlantic Slave Trade (TST). The project emphasizes the significance of the TST, the suffering it caused and its social, cultural and economic impact on the Atlantic world. It is the first international endeavour to mobilize schools in Africa, the Americas/Caribbean and Europe to develop new educational approaches while promoting intercultural dialogue between young people.

What methodology does the ASPnet TST project use ? The project aims to enhance students' capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving - a methodology inspired by the four pillars of learning outlined in the Report of the International Commission on Education for the 21st Century. This includes cultivating positive attitudes, confidence and a sense of identity (learning to be); using an interdisciplinary approach (learning to know); reinforcing students' participatory and communication skills (learning to do) and learning to appreciate one's own and other cultures through national, regional and international exchanges (learning to live together).

Who exactly is the project for ? Secondary-school students aged 14 to 16 in over 100 schools in three regions: Africa: Angola, Benin, Gambia, Ghana, Mozambique, Nigeria and Senegal. the Americas/ Caribbean: Barbados, Brazil, Cuba, Curaçao, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, St. Croix (U.S.V.I.), Trinidad and Tobago. Europe: Denmark, France, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and the United Kingdom.

What sort of cultural interactions will the project highlight ? The immense contribution of the African diaspora to areas such as agriculture, architecture, mining and metalwork, as well as to the visual arts, dance and Fashion. Music is a vital part of the project, which involves many creative activities.

What kind of resources on the TST are currently available ? Teacher-friendly resource material on the TST exists in many countries, including UNESCO/UN documentation, publications by members of the UNESCO Slave Route Project International Scientific Committee and material developed by NGOs and human-rights organizations. A variety of media is also available, from travelling exhibitions to videos, magazines, maps, posters, CD-ROMs and websites. A vital dimension of the project is identifying material and making it available to schools.

Do local communities have a role to play in the project ? Absolutely. Teachers and students are actively encouraged to draw on community life and local resources such as libraries and museums; to organize excursions to places of memory; to consult older members of the community and collect intangible heritage from the oral tradition such as songs and stories.

What educational approaches are used in the ASPnet TST project ? The project analyses how the TST is presented in today's textbooks, builds on content that already exists and seeks new points of entry into school curricula. Art, music, video, creative writing and theatre can also be used to explore aspects of the TST. The media, popular music, television and the cinema can provide inspiration and ideas.

How is the ASPnet TST project being conducted ? It is implemented at three main levels: national, sub-regional and inter-regional, with the help of National Commissions for UNESCO. The organization ensures a continual exchange of research, projects and initiatives through a newsletter and a website.

Who monitors the project ? An International Task Force advises UNESCO on the overall project.

Will the project be evaluated ? Yes, all stages and aspects of the project will be evaluated. A pre- and post- knowledge and attitudinal survey of the young people involved will help to measure its impact. Other assessment instruments are planned, along with systems of reporting on results, problems and solutions.

Hasn't slavery been abolished ? Officially, yes. But the struggle for full civil and political rights continues. The legacy of slavery includes racist attitudes, discrimination and poor standards of living. Modern forms of slavery, such as child labour, affect an estimated 200 million people in the world today. So the story is far from over

Why was 23 August chosen as the date of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition Because it commemorates the uprising of slaves in Bois Caïman, in the north of the then French colony of Santo Domingo, on the night of 22-23 August, 1791. This uprising played a critical role in the abolition of slavery

Who funds the ASPnet TST project ? UNESCO and the Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD) . Many human, financial and material resources are required for this challenging project. If you would like to help, please get in touch with one of the contact persons.

Websites

Anti-Slavery International Anti-Slavery International is the world's oldest international human rights organisation, founded in 1839. It is the only charity in the United Kingdom to work exclusively against slavery and related abuses. We work at local, national and international levels to eliminate the system of slavery around the world. - More info   >> Visit the website

Breaking the Silence – Learning about the Transatlantic Slave Trade This site aims to help teachers and educators to Break the Silence that continues to surround the story of the enslavement of Africa that began over 500 years ago. - More info   >> Visit the website

Breaking the Silence – Learning about the Transatlantic Slave Trade This site aims to help teachers and educators to Break the Silence that continues to surround the story of the enslavement of Africa that began over 500 years ago. - More info   >> Visit the website