In a groundbreaking move to expand Holocaust education and foster social change, the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) has announced the arrival of its innovative mobile education program at Centennial CVI. This initiative—long celebrated for its award-winning “Tour for Humanity”—transports a fully equipped, 30-seat classroom directly into communities, breaking down barriers to access and engaging students with firsthand learning about genocide, racism, and human rights.
Launched in 2013 and having traveled to hundreds of schools across Canada and the United States, the mobile unit serves as a self-contained, interactive classroom. Inside, trained FSWC educators guide participants through a rich multimedia experience that combines video presentations, interactive discussions, and hands-on activities. The program not only delves into the historical horrors of the Holocaust but also connects past atrocities with contemporary issues of intolerance and hate—empowering students to become proactive citizens in their communities.
“Education is our most powerful tool against hate,” explained an FSWC representative. “By bringing this mobile classroom to Centennial CVI, we are ensuring that students and community members alike have the opportunity to engage with history in a deeply personal way. The program’s interactive format helps young people understand that the lessons of the past are crucial for building a more just and compassionate future.”
At Centennial CVI, local educators and administrators are equally enthusiastic. “We are honored to partner with FSWC and welcome their mobile education program into our community,” said a Centennial CVI official. “This initiative provides our students with an immersive learning environment that goes beyond traditional classroom instruction. It sparks critical conversations about tolerance, empathy, and the importance of remembering history to prevent its darkest chapters from repeating.”
The mobile education program features workshops tailored to different age groups. For younger students, sessions focus on foundational concepts of prejudice, stereotyping, and the personal stories of resilience exemplified by figures such as Simon Wiesenthal. For older students, the curriculum expands to explore the social and political conditions that led to the Holocaust, along with discussions on modern forms of hate and discrimination. This comprehensive approach ensures that the program is both historically rigorous and relevant to today’s challenges.
As part of its ongoing commitment to accessibility, the fully wheelchair-accessible bus is designed to be a “classroom on wheels” that brings world-class educational resources directly to schools, community centers, and public venues. Centennial CVI’s new partnership with FSWC is poised to create lasting impact by inspiring a new generation of informed, compassionate leaders ready to challenge hate in all its forms.
With this launch, Centennial CVI joins a growing network of communities benefiting from FSWC’s mission to promote tolerance and combat antisemitism. The mobile classroom not only serves as an educational resource but also as a symbol of resilience—a reminder that through knowledge and dialogue, society can rise above intolerance and build bridges of understanding.
For more information on scheduling a visit or to learn about upcoming workshops at Centennial CVI, community members are encouraged to contact the FSWC outreach team.