Auschwitz experience harrowing but worthwhile

Oct 24 2008 by Michael Pringle

THE Holocaust Educational Trust was established in 1988 and has been taking pupils and teachers to Poland as part of their Lessons from Auschwitz Project for 10 years.

These pupils may be the last from Scotland to benefit from a visit to Auschwitz through the project as the Scottish Government has decided to cut funding for the trips.

It will now be left up to individual councils whether or not to put up the cash.

Schools in England and Wales will still have the benefit of funding from central government at Westminster.

Mike McCabe, director of education for South Ayrshire, was on the trip and he has no doubt that the trip is of huge benefit to everyone who takes part.

He said: “I feel privileged to be here. Education is about a lot more than simply learning facts.

“The important thing is that young people have this experience, take it back and share it with others and develop as responsible citizens in Scotland.”

Sarah Proctor is the principal teacher of social subjects at Ayr Academy and was joined by 16-year-old pupils Daryl Paterson from Annbank and Katie McEwan from Mossblown, who are studying history.

Daryl and Katie are expected to pass on their personal experiences to fellow pupils.

Katie revealed: “We’ll be making presentations to the second year pupils who are studying the Second World War in history.

“It’s been a life-changing experience, you think when you read things from a book you have a good understanding but you don’t really know what it’s like until you’ve visited.”

Daryl added: “We’ll also be presenting to our class mates.

“I’m in sixth year and Katie’s in fifth year.

“Auschwitz is one of the most disturbing and scariest things I’ve ever seen, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but I’m glad I’ve done it.”

Kyle Academy pupils Scott Cassidy, 16, and Rosie Eggo, 16, from Ayr, were also on the trip.

Scott admitted: “It’s hard to understand how evil people can actually be to others. It makes you think that there should be more understanding between people of different races and religions.”

Teacher Sarah summed up the trip: “It’s been a very useful experience that I will use in my everyday teaching, I truly now understand the suffering and the hardship these people went through.

“It far exceeded my expectations and although it was really harrowing, I believe it should be taught in schools.”