School hosts Holocaust Survivor

Year 8 students from the School heard testimony from Holocaust survivor, Ruth Barnett, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

Ruth’s story was followed by a question and answer session which enabled students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth. The visit was part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme.

Kirstin Cardus, Executive Headteacher at The Charles Dickens School said:

“It was a privilege for us to welcome Ruth Barnett to our school and her testimony remains a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Ruth’s testimony it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.”

Karen Pollock MBE, Chief Executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust added:

“The Holocaust Educational Trust educates and engages students from across the UK, from all communities about the Holocaust and there can be no better way than through the first-hand testimony of a survivor. Ruth’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing her testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead. 

“At the Trust, we impart the history of the Holocaust to young people, to ensure that we honour the memory of those whose lives were lost and take forward the lessons taught by those who survived.”

For more information about Holocaust Educational Trust visit https://www.het.org.uk/about/work