FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE14 May 2007.
Jacqui Smith MP SUPPORTS STUDENT VISIT TO AUSCHWITZ
Jacqui Smith MP praised a recent Lessons from Auschwitz Project which took students from Trinity High School to visit the Nazi death
camp Auschwitz-Birkenau on Wednesday 9th May. Government funding of £1.5 million meant that the Holocaust Educational Trust
could set up visits to Auschwitz for thousands of students. On the 9th May, over 200 students from the West Midlands participated in the
Project.
The visit was an opportunity for students to see what happened, to pay respect to those who lost their lives, and to explore the universal lessons of the Holocaust. The
group was shown around the camp’s barracks and crematoria, and witnessed the registration documents of inmates, piles of hair, shoes, clothes and other items seized by the Nazis. They were then
taken the short distance to Birkenau where a memorial and candle-lighting service was held to remember the 6 million Jews, and the Roma, Sinti, gay, disabled, black people, and other victims of the
Nazis killed in the Holocaust.
Jacqui said.
“I think it is really important that young people have the opportunity to witness
Auschwitz-Birkenau firsthand and also to consider the dangers of indifference, and how we as individuals can make a difference.”
Mr Williamson, History Teacher at Trinity High School said.
"The sixth form students from Trinity High School who took part in the visit to Auschwitz found it an extremely
valuable and moving experience. As History students they now hope to convey the lessons they have learned from their visit to some of the younger students as they help out with the teaching
of the Holocaust in some Year 9 classes later on in the summer term"
Karen Pollock, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust commented:
“The Lessons from Auschwitz Project is such a vital part of our work exactly because it gives students the chance to understand more the dangers
and potential effects of prejudice and racism today.”
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