STOCKPORT College welcomes survivor from the Holocaust Educational Trust to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

A thought-provoking Holocaust Education Day programme, organised by the School of Arts, Design & Media was hailed a success this week.
On Tuesday 19^th February, Degree students from College heard a testimony from Guest Speaker Helen Stein as part of a visit organised by the College.
The event was attended by Higher Education students from across all arts, design and media degree courses who have also be invited to take part in a poster competition on the theme of "Keeping the Memory Alive - Journeys through the Holocaust".
Ultimately the aim of the day was to motivate students and engage them to ensure that the horrendous crimes of racism and victimisation committed during the Holocaust are never forgotten.
Gary Spicer who organised the day’s programme said: “It is a privilege for us to welcome Helen to the College and her testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced.... we hope that Helen’s testimony will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.” 

Gary Spicer, Helen Stein and Paul Proctor

The day’s events were recorded by Television Production degree students and also included presentations from Gary Spicer on the context and Background.

Critical Studies lecturer, Jane Chavez-Dawson gave a moving talk on ‘Discovering Belson’ where she spoke of her life as a young person discovering and understanding the horrors of the holocaust when she lived in Hannover.

Then Paul Proctor Assistant Dean; of the School of Arts Design & Media HE gave a lecture on Photography and Memory  and how the photograph is so inextricably linked to memory.

Mr Proctor closed the day’s memorial programme by commenting on how engaged the audience were with Helen testimony.

He said: “It’s really important for the students to learn about the Holocaust and be made aware of the conditions and attitudes which lead up to such a catastrophe. I hope what this day does is urge students to take an active role in speaking out against social injustices.”