Last September, two S6 pupils were given the opportunity to take part in the Lessons from Auschwitz Project which is organised and run by the Holocaust Educational Trust. Kate Richards and Lauren Billingham, both studying Advanced Higher History, visited Auschwitz – the largest extermination camp built by the Nazis. They were given a guided tour of the camp for a whole day and returned that evening.

Now, building upon the insights gained through this visit, both Kate and Lauren have recently been visiting local Primary schools to share the key messages of the Holocaust and genocide. In the past month, the girls have given presentations to Primary 7 pupils in Carmyllie, Inverbrothock and Timmergreens primary schools and all have been extremely well-received by the staff and pupils there.

Both Kate and Lauren have had time to reflect on what they’ve learnt – both though the initial tip and the subsequent activities. Kate told one of her teachers that:

“It was a very worthwhile and memorable experience. From the Seminars and through visiting Auschwitz, I have learned not only the horrors of the Holocaust, but also how important it is to learn from history.”     

Lauren also commented that: “I feel extremely lucky to have been given the opportunity to participate in the Lessons from Auschwitz project. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone – it has been brilliant sharing my experience. It was a very emotional and touching experience”