As numbers of Holocaust Survivors available to give talks in schools dwindle, the Second Generation are considering their role in education. The Holocaust Education Trust have offered to help us to develop talks to give in schools. If you would like to be involved in a training programme to develop talks by Second Generation about their survivor parents' experiences, please contact Sue Bermange, Education Officer: sbermange@tiscali.co.uk

Since 2009, the Second Generation Committee have been talking with the Holocaust Educational Trust with regards to a new initiative, a pilot education programme training members of the second generation to tell their parents' stories in schools.

The first of 2 workshops took place on Sunday 16th May, attended by approximately 20 of the second generation. This workshop was designed and run by the Holocaust Educational Trust, with the aim to help prepare the second generation for taking on the task of delivering their parents' testimonies in schools.  The reality is that the survivors are getting fewer in numbers and are finding it increasingly difficult to travel all over the country to speak in schools.  Survivors’ testimonies are so important in adding a 'personal' and 'human' face to the statistics learnt in the classroom.

The first workshop gave an introduction to the valuable work of the HET, and then advised participants how to plan a presentation.  A format was offered with suggested time allocations and the group was encouraged to use images and short video clips to make the presentations more interactive for school children.

The second session, due to take place on Sunday 13th June, will involve watching a presentation by Eva Clarke, who is already delivering her mother’s testimony in schools. The HET has then offered support in assembling resources for participants' presentations.

Feedback from attendees has been very positive and we are all looking forward to the next stages of this programme.