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"Auschwitz – Memories of Europe – European Memory". New educational project for school groups from Europe.

"Auschwitz – Memories of Europe – European Memory" is a new educational project of the International Center for Education about Auschwitz and the Holocaust aimed at foreign groups of schoolchildren in cooperation with the International Youth Meeting Centre.

Groups will have the opportunity to participate in three-day study visits that involve guided tours of the town of Oświęcim, the former German Nazi camp Auschwitz, and educational workshops conducted by ICEAH educators.

‘The tragedy of Auschwitz compels us all to face a horrifying chapter in human history so that we can build a future based on memory, free from antisemitism, racism and other ideologies of hatred, free from dehumanisation,’ said Museum Director Dr. Piotr M. A. Cywiński.

‘The phenomenon of memory extends far beyond historical knowledge, construed as a set of facts, dates, and numbers. Auschwitz serves as a key point in shaping post-war identity. The belief that we could prevent another Auschwitz was the cornerstone of the post-war political transformation, including in the European context,’ he stressed.

ICEAH Director, Andrzej Kacorzyk, emphasised that ‘the historical complexity of Auschwitz provides insight into the scale of persecution orchestrated by Nazi Germany against diverse groups of victims in various parts of occupied Europe’.

‘In this unique place, we can reflect on the mechanisms that facilitated the Holocaust and the repression of various groups of victims. These reflections aim to increase sensitivity and awareness of our individual responsibility for our surrounding reality. Thus, we want to make this possible on a larger scale for young people from different parts of Europe,’ emphasised Andrzej Kacorzyk.

The costs of the substantive programme, lodging, and meals will be covered by funds from the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation raised specifically for educational activities, which do not come from the Perpetual Fund supporting conservation at the Memorial. The organisers do not cover transport, insurance, or personal expenses.

The project is implemented in partnership with the International Youth Meeting Centre, where the participants will be accommodated. The IYMC will provide volunteers access to a seminar room for independent educational work, including technical and organisational support.

The project is open to groups of up to 30 students with chaperones. A maximum of two groups from one country may participate in the project. Participation is based on the order of registrations.

Applications for participation should be sent via ONLINE FORM. 

Project coordination: Nataliia Tkachenko, .

Example programme:

Day 1
• Arrival and accommodation
• Guided tour of the city of Oświęcim

Day 2
• Guided tour of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial Site
• Thematic workshops (to choose from)

Day 3
• Concluding workshops "Eleventh. Don't be indifferent"