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Learning about the Holocaust
26/11/2008
The Scottish Government is taking action to safeguard the provision of Auschwitz visits so that school pupils can learn about the Holocaust.
Earlier this year, the UK Government detailed funding for these study trips, however this did not result in any additional funds for Scotland.
Since the issue came to light, the Scottish Government has been exploring options to find the best way forward and has now agreed to provide £214,000 per year to fund two flights to visit Auschwitz through the Holocaust Educational Trust. Starting from the next academic year in 2009, this will involve half of secondary schools in Scotland each year - allowing two children from each school to take part every second year.
Ms Hyslop said:
"The Scottish Government recognises that Holocaust education offers an important and insightful dimension to the curriculum and that it is important pupils have the chance to learn about what happened in Auschwitz so that the Holocaust is never forgotten.
"Curriculum for Excellence includes many opportunities to discuss and learn about the Holocaust, including within History and through new emphasis on the rights and responsibilities of individuals and nations in Religious and Moral Education.
"However, the added value of study visits to Auschwitz offers an important link to these terrible events and their continuing implications for society. That's why we have decided to provide the funds that will allow pupils representing each secondary school in Scotland to gain first-hand experiences from Auschwitz.
"We have discussed with COSLA the merits of taking a national approach, rather than the 32 local authorities conducting their own negotiations, such as the need for chartered air travel. We have agreed that a national approach offers the best way forward to ensure our young people have the chance to gain this unique and rich educational experience.
"We will also be working with the Holocaust Educational Trust and others to see how we can enhance the wider experience for Scottish schools as a whole.
"As a result, all secondary schools in Scotland have the opportunity to be involved and we will be considering carefully with local authorities how we can ensure equity of participation from schools across the country."
The Scottish Government has agreed that for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 financial years it will provide £214,000 to Holocaust Educational Trust to fund two flights each year to visit Auschwitz. Fiona Hyslop has written to the Education and Lifelong Learning Committee to confirm this announcement having previously indicated to the Committee on October 29 during the budget scrutiny discussions that she was seeking a solution.
In February 2008, the UK Government announced £4.65 million for Holocaust education school trips to Auschwitz. As has been confirmed by HM Treasury, these funds did not generate any new funding for Scotland at this time as it already formed part of the 2007 Comprehensive Spending Review.
The Holocaust Educational Trust aims to educate young people from every background about the Holocaust and the important lessons to be learned for today. The trust was established in 1988 and works with schools, universities and communities across the UK.