Kidderminster College Sport and Public Services students made a day trip to Auschwitz as part of a project run by the Holocaust Educational Trust.
The students, along with other schools from across the West Midlands, were chosen to join the tour of Auschwitz-Birkenau as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz project.
During the trip, the students stood inside a gas chamber where thousands were murdered and walked through rooms with prisoners’ hair, suitcases and prosthetic limbs piled high to the ceiling.
The group was joined by Rabbi Raphael Garson from the Elstree and Borehamwood synagogue, who encouraged pupils to be tolerant and respecting of each other, and to spread the words they had heard that day to ensure the Holocaust is never forgotten.
Students Georgie Ganderton, said: “You can’t really expect what something like this is going to be like but it was really emotional. It’s hard to put into words.”
“The Rabbi and the speech he did at the end of the day were the most memorable parts for me. He put the whole thing into context.”
Now in its seventeenth year, the lessons from Auschwitz project explore the relevance of the Holocaust today through seminars and a visit to the camps.
Karen Pollock, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust, said: “The Lessons from Aushwitz project is a vital part of our work, allowing young people to learn about the Holocaust in a way they cannot in the classroom.
“The visit enables young people to see for themselves where racism, prejudice and antisemitism can ultimately lead and its importance is demonstrated by the inspiring work students go on to do in their local communities.”
The students will now act as ambassadors at Kidderminster College to promote awareness of the Holocaust and pass on the valuable lessons they learned to their fellow students.