Seminar Report "Teaching about the Holocaust" (Vilnius, 1-6 April 2000)

Description

The seminar organised by the Council of Europe in association with the In-Service Training Programme for Educational Staff discussed the profound implications of the Holocaust, emphasizing the need for self-reflection as human beings. It addressed the enduring significance of this tragic event in human history, highlighting that despite progress in various aspects of life, human nature remains capable of committing atrocities like Auschwitz, revealing the fragility of humanity. The seminar aimed to examine how the Holocaust is taught in European schools, analyze historical consciousness, and explore effective teaching methods. Participants recognized the challenges of teaching about the Holocaust, such as addressing moral and ethical issues and ensuring it doesn't fuel anti-Semitism. Despite these challenges, the seminar was deemed successful in fostering a positive attitude towards addressing these crucial issues, emphasizing the importance of education in preventing future genocides and promoting a diverse, democratic, and multi-cultural European community.

Keywords

Holocaust education

Shoah

in-service teacher training

Council of Europe

In-Service Training Programme for Educational Staff