Pupils meet Holocaust survivor

Pupils from schools across the South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust have been involved in a project to challenge prejudice inspired by the work of Anne Frank.

Ormsgill and Chetwynde School pupils listened to a talk from Martin Stern MBE who was just five years old when he was sent to Westerbork concentration camp in the Netherlands.

He was invited into schools by the Anne Frank Trust, a registered charity which hosts workshops in schools, offers mentoring and online events and has recently expanded its work into Cumbria.

Ormsgill Primary School Headteacher Mick Cull said they felt very fortunate to hear Martin’s experiences.

“Although we are talking about an event from so long ago, we sadly still live in a world where hatred and prejudice take place,” he said.

“We know that education is the most powerful tool to tackle this. Our children have already heard about the impact of the Holocaust through sessions with Lorraine at the Anne Frank Trust, and hearing Martin’s story first-hand will help them learn what they can do to be champions of peace and understanding, both today and in the future.” 

Ormgsill School pupils Georgia, Mason and Tamara were also invited to the Anne Frank Trust launch event in Millom to showcase the work they have created.

The Anne Frank Trust works with pupils aged nine to 15 and Chetwynde students listened to his life story at a presentation held at Barrow Sixth Form College.

Michelle Doolan, Acting Head of Humanities at Chetwynde School, said the Year 7s, 8s and 9s listened intently and asked compelling questions.

“This was a rare and moving event for all the pupils involved and this experience will stay with them for some time.

“Some described it as an honour to meet him and said it was amazing that he had the courage to talk about his experience others described it as ‘enlightening’ and a ‘once-in-a-lifetime opportunity’.

“Dr Stern spoke about his experiences as a child surviving the persecution of Jewish people during the Holocaust and he also talked with expert knowledge of his understanding of the origins of genocide. He is a firm believer in education as a means to changing the future and his willingness to engage with young people was inspirational.”

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