UN Zambia's Educational Outreach: A Tribute to 80 Years of the Holocaust

On January 29 and 30, 200 students from Naboye and Mikango Secondary Schools in Zambia's Chongwe and Kafue districts respectively transformed into history students. Their focus: the Holocaust and its enduring lessons for humanity.

The UN in Zambia commemorated the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust with a series of educational outreach programs aimed at instilling the values of respect, coexistence, and human rights in children and youth. The sessions were designed to not only educate but also inspire a sense of responsibility and empathy in the hearts of the participants.

At both schools, the sessions began with looking at the harrowing tales of the Holocaust. The stories, filled with moments of unimaginable suffering and loss but also of resilience and hope, were illustrated through the documentary The Path to Nazi Genocide and a PowerPoint presentation.

As the students listened, their expressions revealed a deep connection to the narratives, as if they were transported back in time, standing in solidarity with those who endured such horrors.
The learners engaged in discussions about the importance of respect and coexistence in today's world, exploring the significance of human rights and the impact of discrimination and intolerance. These activities were more than educational. They were transformative, sparking a change in the way the students viewed their roles in society.

Teachers were also part of this enlightening experience, gaining valuable insights and resources to continue the legacy of these lessons in their classrooms. They were equipped with tools to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect, ensuring that the messages of the outreach would resonate long after the sessions concluded.

Major Oscar Siita, Headteacher of Mikango Barracks Secondary School, noted the importance of the activity in shaping children into responsible adults who will stand up for human rights.
“This day was important as the lessons from the Holocaust have taught our learners the value of upholding human rights, having value for human dignity, tolerance, non-discrimination, and non-hatred. It brought out the need for all to live in a compassionate, integrated, and peaceful world,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Susan Jengajenga Zulu, Deputy Headteacher for Naboye Secondary School, appreciated the United Nations initiative to interact with learners about the Holocaust.
“Your presence underscores the collective commitment to remembering the past and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated, as we say, "Never Again." Thank you, our guests, for being here to inspire our learners on the importance of tolerance, diversity, and the value of Human Rights  to prevent future  atrocities,” Mrs Zulu said. 

The impact of such educational outreach activities cannot be overstated, especially in a world witnessing a rise in conflicts globally. The students and teachers left with a renewed sense of purpose, carrying forward the lessons of the past to build a brighter, more compassionate future.

Nathan Siantwala, a Grade 12 pupil at Naboye Secondary School, summed up his impressions of the outreach at his school in the following words:
“I say thank you to the United Nations for this event. The day of the Holocaust is a day worth remembering and should always be remembered. Those who forget history are doomed to repeat it,” he said.
The educational outreach was not just an event but a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of human rights and the collective responsibility to honor the memories of those who suffered during the Holocaust.

The UN in Zambia's tribute to the 80th anniversary of the Holocaust was a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a world where all uphold respect, coexistence, and human rights.