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This Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi concentration camp complex, and the 30th anniversary of the genocide in Bosnia. The theme this year, set out by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, is ‘For a better Future.’ To find out more about the trust please visit Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.

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To commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day in Tameside, Tameside Cultural Services, part of Tameside Council, has worked with the six Special Educational Needs/Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/SEND) schools in Borough. Thomas Ashton School, Oakdale Nursery and Primary School, Samuel Laycock School, Cromwell High School, Safe Start School Ashton, and Hawthorns Primary School; as well as residents from the Lakes Care Home in Dukinfield have used their creativity to explore the theme of ‘For a Better Future’, culminating in two beautiful art installations on display at Thomas Ashton School.

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Each school approached this project in their own way, whether this is with the focus relating to tolerance and fairness, that everyone should be treated fairly and equally, or teachers focus on one of the genocides.

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The project and art installation has manifested in two parts: Thomas Ashton School pupils have created a large sculpture of two people as the centre piece, with each figure representing a genocide. One will be to commemorate the liberation of Auschwitz Birkenau; the second will commemorate the Bosnian genocide. The figures will be holding hands and at the centre of their joined hands, will be a large open umbrella, covered in world flags, with the hearts flowing over the edge.

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In the second part, students from across the participating schools had the opportunity to get involved and create one of the hearts to form part of the larger installation. On one side, you will see the child’s name, on the other side of the heart, each pupil/student has written a message ‘for a better future,’ what would a ‘better future’ mean to them. What would a ‘better future’ look like to the children of Tameside?

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The art installation will be unveiled at Thomas Ashton School on Monday 27 January 2025. Following the unveiling the piece will be on display within the local studies and archives centre in Ashton-Under-Lyne from Tuesday 28 January until Tuesday 11 February 2025. The installation will then go on a weekly tour of each of the participating schools.

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Kim McDonough, teacher at Thomas Ashton School said: “We got involved so that generations learn what happened in history. Some of our pupils and their families know about the Holocaust and some do not. Most have no idea that subsequent genocides have happened.”

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Tameside Council Executive Member for Lifelong Learning and Culture, Councillor Leanne Feeley, said: “Remembering the Holocaust and ensuring our young people continue to learn and understand about the discrimination and persecution that took place is hugely important to achieve our hopes ‘For a Better Future’.

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“Holocaust Memorial Day is also a reminder to people of all ages to use our freedom for good, whether that be through community projects or working together to make a positive difference to the lives of others.”

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