Assyrian Students Visit Genocide Monument
Fairfield, Australia -- On Saturday, November 13, 2010, the Assyrian Diqlat School organised an excursion to a learning experience about the Assyrian genocide monument at Bonnyrigg Park commemorating the genocide of 750,000 Assyrians during World War One.
Earlier this year, on Saturday, August 7, 2010, the Assyrian Diqlat School was approached by the Australian Universal Alliance to play a part in the history making erection of the Assyrian genocide monument, playing a memorable role on the day that will forever remain a milestone in establishing a piece of Assyrian history in Australia.

In light of the fact that the Assyrian Diqlat School has been established by the Assyrian Australian Association to officially give our children the history amidst language, religion, history and geography that makes up this prized culture, the coordination of school excursions around the monument were seen as ideal out of school activities to bring to life the history written in books.
The day began with the children standing around the structure to say the Lord's Prayer. The students then assembled flowers in front of the monument in memory of all those who sacrificed their lives. A number of activities were organised including engaging with guest speakers Mr Hermiz Shahen and Mr David David as well as working on worksheets and handouts organised by the teachers. The day was finished off with a nice lunch and ice-cream. Overall the days' events left the students in high spirits.

Considering the foundations of this school have always and still continue to work behind the force to pass on all aspects of the Assyrian culture, the re-visiting and closer insight into the meaning behind the Assyrian genocide monument were seen a critical aspect in school education. The monument was used by the school as a real-life embodiment and piece of Assyrian history one which Australian Assyrian students can visit on school excursions to understand its stance.
Assyrian Australian Association Assyrian Diqlat School was established year 1974 in Sydney-Australia. The Association has continuously developed on this early initiative and has throughout maintained and supported the school to the full.

The Assyrian Diqlat School has helped thousands to learn the Assyrian language and through them all our community in Sydney has been well enriched. Our graduate students have gone on to become teachers who are carrying on the tradition and teaching the younger generations in various Assyrian institutions that we presently have in Sydney. Many graduates have gone on to become church deacons, priests, educators and choristers. Their influence has helped them and others to go back to the community and to impart their education and experience to others voluntarily. Some have managed to make a living by going into the workforce as translators or interpreters or radio and television announcers.

The school is really proud of its achievements and of all those who have passed through its doors.
By Carmen Lazar
Assyrian Australian Association
Carmen Lazar is the Principal of the Assyrian Diqlat School in Fairfield, Australia.