SCHOOLS URGED TO APPLY FOR REMAINING PLACES ON SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL TRIPS TO COMMEMORATE 75th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIBERATION OF BERGEN-BELSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP

State-funded schools, colleges and sixth forms are being urged to apply for the remaining places on the Belsen 75 Programme of Visits, part of a unique commemorative project to mark 75 years since the liberation of the former Nazi concentration camp Bergen-Belsen by British Forces in 2020.

The trips will see two student representatives (Y12-13 only) and one teacher from each educational institute with post-16 provision attend the trip, before returning to in turn educate their classmates and communities about this period of history and to give their first-hand account. Places for the visits are allocated on a first-come-first-served basis and will cost £40 per participant.

The project, which brings this dark passage of world history to life, has been made possible thanks to funding awarded by the Government earlier in the year, which will be administered by the Department for Education and jointly delivered by the Holocaust Educational Trust and UCL Centre for Holocaust Education, with support from the National Holocaust Centre and Museum.

This unprecedented project will include visits to the former camp and educational resources to be delivered across the country; allowing young people the chance to reflect upon the significance of Bergen-Belsen and explore the testimonies of survivors and liberators of the camp.

All schools in will receive access to educational resources and be encouraged to mark and commemorate the 75th anniversary of the liberation next April in their own way, giving students the chance to reflect on its continuing relevance and meaning of the Holocaust today.

Holocaust Survivor Susan Pollack, who was liberated from Bergen-Belsen in 1945 said: “If it wasn’t for that British soldier who picked me up and saved me, I wouldn’t be here today. On liberation, I was virtually a corpse, unable to walk, and would soon have died.

“It is our duty to tell others this story. After being liberated, I thought to myself, health permitting, that I will teach in schools. That I will share my story because others can’t. That is the commitment I made when I was liberated from Bergen-Belsen.” 

Holocaust Educational Trust Chief Executive, Karen Pollock MBE, commented: “This is a momentous opportunity to commemorate this key event in our nation’s collective history and to educate even more people about what happened during the Holocaust.

 “As we approach the 75th anniversary since the liberation of the former camp, this is now our last chance to witness the first-hand testimonies of survivors from Bergen-Belsen, and the camp’s liberators, ensuring that young people across the country properly understand Britain’s connection to the Holocaust.

“We look forward to working with our partners to make sure that this project can leave a lasting legacy, so that this and future generations can continue to remember.”

Executive Director UCL Centre for Holocaust Education, Professor Foster, commented: “UCL Centre of Holocaust Education is delighted to have partnered with the Holocaust Educational Trust on Belsen 75.  This project will profoundly support students and their teachers to deepen their understanding of the agonising and unimaginable task that faced British troops as they liberated Bergen-Belsen in April 1945.

Programme Director UCL Centre for Holocaust Education, Ruth-Anne Lenga, added: “Pupils will hear from those who were there and testified to the true extent of Nazi crimes perpetrated against innocent men, women and children during the Holocaust. They will also learn about the efforts made by the British to bury the dead, contain the spread of disease and save the lives of those who, without immediate care, would have surely perished.

“75 years on, the need to combat antisemitism and heal divisions in society remains urgent. As survivors of the Holocaust become increasingly few with the passing of time, this anniversary is pivotal in remembering this disturbing past and collectively reflecting on its legacy.” 

National Holocaust Centre and Museum Interim Chief Executive, Marc Cave, said “Belsen 75 is a profound moment to communicate the horrors of the Holocaust for a contemporary purpose. Hate is on the rise in our society today. This trip to Belsen will be a success if we inspire even a single visitor, every time he or she spots it, to move from bystander to ‘upstander’ against it. “As the UK’s only nationally accredited Holocaust museum with a treasure trove of content, we are delighted to contribute to this landmark project with our award-winning Forever Project immersive technology and wraparound learning tools. Combined with the expertise of our fellow project partners, this is surely 1+1=3.  Long may we collaborate to heighten the impact of our work.” 

This funding was opened to a bidding process, during which the Holocaust Educational Trust, and UCL’s Centre for Holocaust Education came together to submit a joint bid. It is believed to be the first time that two of the largest UK Holocaust educational organisations have worked in partnership on such a large-scale project. The bid was also supported by the National Holocaust Centre and Museum.

Schools can apply for their place on these special visits here: https://www.belsen75.org.uk/ – applications are open to state-funded schools across England.

Visits will take place in February and March 2020, with commemoration events across the country being planned for April – to coincide with the anniversary of the liberation of Bergen-Belson on 15th April 1945.