East Ayrshire school students remember the holocaust

Feb 6 2009 by Ian Russell, Kilmarnock Standard

SCHOOLS around East Ayrshire joined Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP Des Browne in supporting last week’s holocaust memorial day.

Last Tuesday marked the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, and the special day was is an opportunity to reflect on the horrors of the holocaust and other genocides and remember the millions of people that were killed.

Said Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust: “We are delighted that Des Browne and schools in Ayrshire are supported memorial day. This year’s topic ‘Stand Up to Hatred’ highlighted the importance of joining forces against hatred, prejudice and intolerance.

“It is the participation of all communities and the support of schools, local groups and local government that give this day the impact it has around the country and we applaud their commitment to ensuring the lessons of the past are learned, acted upon and disseminated.”

Several schools in Kilmarnock and Loudoun have been involved in events and projects to mark holocaust memorial day. St Joseph's Academy's and Loudoun Academy had senior pupils visit Auschwitz earlier this year. A holocaust survivor visited Stewarton Academy. Throughout last week pupils who had visited the former death camp took the morning assemblies to reflect on their visits and share their experiences. Š

“Historically of course Ayrshire has a tradition for humanitarian sympathies, ‘A Man’s A Man For a’ That’, but it is inspiring that in today’s climate so many young people in Scotland engaged with some knowledge and sympathy these complex global issues,” said Des Browne.