Perspectives on the Colonial Past

Photo of a man playing the game “Perspectives on the Colonial Past”
A virtual journey through the eyes of seven characters

Life in Congo during the colonial period was far from the same for everyone.

In this online game, students reconstruct the everyday world of a historical figure. Their story takes shape from photographs, maps, newspaper articles, paintings, and testimonies that bring the past to life. 

Will your students step into the shoes of a Congolese forced laborer, a Force Publique soldier, an "évolué", or a housewife? Or will they become a Belgian missionary sister, a railway worker, or the wife of a plantation owner? And what is their message for us today?

[This game is also available as workshop in the BELvue museum]

Place & period
Precolonial (…-1885)
Congo Free State (1885-1908)
Belgian Congo (1908-1960)
Theme
Governance
Economy
Gender
Violence
Independance
Racism
Religion
Type
Game
Workshop
Historical sources
Testimony
Video
Work of art
Organisation
Year
2021
Language
Dutch
French
Target audience
Primary education
1st stage secondary
2nd stage secondary
3rd stage secondary
Duration
30 min (game); 180 min (workshop)