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Survivor Testimony in the Classroom
 Virtual Speaker Series

Margot Friedländer speaks to a group of teachers © TOP

Lena Vogel, head of Adult Education and International Projects at ZWEITZEUGEN e.V. led a 45 minute interactive session for teachers on incorporating Holocaust survivor testimony into the classroom.

Description & Speaker

Image of Lena Vogel Lena Vogel

Teaching the Holocaust can be difficult: How do we make historical topics feel relevant for young people? How do we assure that the horrors of the Holocaust do not cause an emotional overreaction, maybe even the rejection of speaking about the topic? And how do we establish a pedagogical approach to Holocaust Education that has an actual effect on tackling antisemitism today?

ZWEITZEUGEN e.V. from Germany has worked with their didactic "ZWEITZEUGEN-approach" for over ten years now. In their workshops, they carry on the stories of Holocaust survivors as so-called "second witnesses". In this presentation, Lena Vogel will present their didactic concept, focusing on the above questions.

Throughout this presentation, teachers will learn more about putting biographies of survivors in the center of their education. Guided by the "heart-head-hand" concept, teachers will hear about how to create empathy, deliver knowledge and create opportunities for action for young learners. Creative, engaging and hands-on methods will be presented that help students understand the effects of racism and antisemitism, even today.

About ZWEITZEUGEN e.V.

In a few years' time, there will be no more witnesses to the Holocaust. Many have passed on their experiences. Their testimonies are a valuable treasure of memories that must be passed on even after their death.

The German association ZWEITZEUGEN e.V. has set itself the task of passing on their stories as so called "second witnesses". The association focuses its educational work on children and young people from age 10 and up who are empowered to do the same. Moreover, they offer programs for teaching staff on working with students on biography based Holocaust Education. Doing so, they encourage teachers to work against antisemitism and discrimination using a low-threshold approach that works for diverse target groups.

Speaker Lena Vogel is the head of adult education and international projects and will present the ZWEITZEUGEN-approach.

Session Materials

English language materials can be found at:
https://zweitzeugen.de/angebote/internationale-projekte

If you have additional questions, please reach out to TOP at top@goethe.de
or Lena Vogel at l.vogel@zweitzeugen.de

Session Recording

 

TOP Resources

Check out some of TOP's supporting materials such as lesson plans and digital resources to keep the learning going!

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