Teachers engage in international Holocaust education programme at Crumlin Road Gaol

The programme forms part of an international initiative developed by the Mémorial de la Shoah, bringing educators together to deepen their understanding of Holocaust history, explore effective pedagogical approaches, and engage in meaningful dialogue around complex and contested histories. 

The Belfast-based training focused on the fundamentals of Holocaust education, including the historical context of the Holocaust, contemporary antisemitism, and the challenges of teaching sensitive and complex subject matter in today’s classroom. Participants also engaged in a range of workshops and discussions designed to provide practical tools and strategies to support high-quality teaching and learning. 

The Holocaust as a Starting Point programme aims to create opportunities for educators to collaborate across regions and explore differing historical narratives, recognising the role of education in addressing misunderstanding, prejudice and divisions rooted in the past. 

Emma Foster, Development Officer with the Education Authority, said:

“It was a privilege to host this programme at Crumlin Road Gaol, a site with its own complex history. Bringing teachers together to engage with the Holocaust as a starting point for dialogue enables meaningful reflection on the past and supports educators in developing the confidence and skills to approach difficult histories with sensitivity, critical insight and professionalism in the classroom.”

Denver Charles from the History Teachers Association of Northern Ireland added:

“This collaboration with the Mémorial de la Shoah provides an invaluable opportunity for teachers to deepen their subject knowledge and reflect on best practice in Holocaust education. It supports educators in addressing challenging historical themes and encourages thoughtful, evidence-based discussion in the classroom.”

Participants highlighted the value of engaging in professional dialogue and reflection, noting the importance of equipping teachers with the knowledge, confidence and resources needed to approach Holocaust education with care, accuracy and critical understanding.

This initiative reflects a wider commitment to ensuring that the history of the Holocaust is taught in a way that supports young people to understand the complexities of the past and its relevance today, particularly in promoting respect, tolerance and democratic values. 

The programme will continue with an advanced stage in October, where participating teachers will further develop their practice by engaging with more complex themes and exploring connections between Holocaust education and local contexts.

Further details of the October programme and location will be shared with participants in due course.

The PEACEPLUS ASPIRE project is led by the Education Authority in partnership with Léargas, Early Years – the organisation for young children, the National Childhood Network, and the Fermanagh Trust. The project is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme administered by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).